SAINTS' former captain Chris Joynt has reached the Ukrainian border with Poland for second time to deliver more humanitarian aid for those affected by the war.

Following on from the successful journey taking aid to the border last month, the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s ‘#liverpool4ukraine’ appeal has sent four more consignments of much-needed medical supplies and aid to Bishop Gregory Komar in the Diocese of Sambir-Drohobych in the Lviv region. 

This was double the amount sent in the first consignment.

St Helens Star: Items being handed overItems being handed over

There was a return trip for drivers Chris Joynt and Mike Sharkey, Greenmount managing director.

In March Chris, 50, and former Saints player Dave Lyon were among a group of four to make the journey.

Chris and Mike Sharkey were joined on the trip by four members of staff from the archdiocese, Jill Boggan, Nicky Hegarty, John McMahon and Aaron Kiely, as they covered 2,800 miles travelling through six countries. 

READ > St Helens veteran describes devastation in journey to Ukraine

On Tuesday, April 26, Chris and Mike's vehicles arrived and they were welcomed once again by Bishop Gregory, who spoke of his appreciation for the help.

He, and seminarians from his diocese, will transfer the aid for the onward journey.

The Bishop also joined the party for a prayer at the site before they began their return journey.

Mike Sharkey said: "We were able to see at first hand the difference which our aid will make to the innocent people suffering in this conflict. 

"As I kept hearing news of continued attacks on civilians I knew that I had to go back carrying aid and prayerful support from the people of our archdiocese.  It was wonderful for us to meet Bishop Gregory and I’m looking forward to seeing him again to offer what comfort we can."

St Helens Star: Humanitarian aid was delivered once again to the borderHumanitarian aid was delivered once again to the border

Jill Boggan, director of finance for the archdiocese and one of the volunteer drivers added: "I’ve volunteered to go on this trip because I want to do something direct and useful to help people in Ukraine who urgently need the supplies we’re taking to them. 

"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to go on this journey and hopeful that taking the generous donations from across the archdiocese to Bishop Gregory will provide both practical support and comfort that they are not alone."

 

Chris Joynt became Saints' most successful captain by the time he hung up his boots in 2004. He joined the Knowsley Road club in 1992 from Oldham, and made more than 380 appearances in the red vee. He helped Saints become the first Super League champions in 1996, and lifted the trophy as captain after Grand Final wins in 1999, 2000 and 2002. He was also part of Challenge Cup final successes in 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2004 and scored in the World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos in 2001. Individually, he won the Harry Sunderland award twice, for man-of-the-match displays in the 1993 Premiership final against Wigan at Old Trafford and again in 2000 in a Grand Final triumph over the Warriors. Joynt also scored Saints' inconic 'Wide to West' try which sealed a last-gasp win at Knowsley Road for Saints in a Super League play-off game against Bradford in 2000.

Chris Joynt became Saints' most successful captain by the time he hung up his boots in 2004.

He joined the Knowsley Road club in 1992 from Oldham, and made more than 380 appearances in the red vee.

He helped Saints become the first Super League champions in 1996, and lifted the trophy as captain after Grand Final wins in 1999, 2000 and 2002.

He was also part of Challenge Cup final successes in 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2004 and scored in the World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos in 2001.

Individually, he won the Harry Sunderland award twice, for man-of-the-match displays in the 1993 Premiership final against Wigan at Old Trafford and again in 2000 in a Grand Final triumph over the Warriors.

Joynt also scored Saints' inconic 'Wide to West' try which sealed a last-gasp win at Knowsley Road for Saints in a Super League play-off game against Bradford in 2000.