Over the last three years, Eddy (whose last name we're omitting for security reasons) has been volunteering in Ukraine, supporting civilian evacuation and other humanitarian causes. But on January 30, the NGO's armored vehicale was hit by a drone in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, during a civilian evacuation from the frontline. While the three others in the van had minor injuries, Eddy, who was driving, sustained serious injuries, leading to his arm and leg being amputated. He is now in stable condition and receiving the care he needs.
He told the BBC that he feels “lucky” despite his injuries and his initial thought was to keep driving: “I tried to put it in gear, my left leg wasn’t responding. I tried turning the wheel and I could feel my shoulder turning but I couldn't see my arm turning on the wheel. At that point I realized it was really bad.”
Originally from Dorset, England, Eddy was in the yachting industry for ten years before traveling to Ukraine and volunteering with BASE UA, an NGO that helps evacuate civilians and provide them with shelter, as a combat medic.
A GoFundMe has been created to support him during his recovery with medical costs, rehabilitation and other expenses: gofundme.com/f/h7aewv-eddys-recovery.
“Eddy remains strong and in good spirits,” the page created by BASE UA shares. "Eddy is a shining example of what being a good person is and I know we are not alone when we say, he is our hero."