Ukrainian Ambassador's tribute to late Swindon aid charity stalwart Mike Bowden

By Barrie Hudson - 7 March 2025

CommunityCharity
  • Mike Bowden founded and worked ceaselessly for Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

    Mike Bowden founded and worked ceaselessly for Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom has sent his condolences to the loved ones and friends of Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership founder and campaigner Mike Bowden.

Mike Bowden with one of the many truckloads of vital aid gathered and sent to Ukraine by Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

Mr Bowden died last month and his funeral was held at Christ Church in Old Town earlier this week.

Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) was founded within days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022.

Since then the organisation has sent more than 2,000 tonnes of aid, provided vehicles ranging from mobile medical facilities to a story bus for Ukrainian children, and also supported many Ukrainian people in the Swindon area who were forced to leave their homeland.

The Ambassador, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was formerly Commander-in-Chief of his country's armed forces, wrote to SHAP to voice his condolences.

His Excellency said: "With deep sadness, we learnt about the passing away of Mike Bowden.

"Mike will be remembered for having played a formative role in strengthening and developing the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership's noble efforts in helping Ukraine, which he deeply admired.

"On behalf of the Embassy of Ukraine and all the people of my country, I would like to present deep and sincere condolences to all of Mike's friends, colleagues and [next of kin]. We are with you during this period of mourning and wish strength and fortitude.

"May the memory of Mike serve as a lasting tribute to his unwavering support of our just cause."

Mr Bowden met with the Ambassador and Ukrainian Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko at the Embassy last year, in connection with the work of SHAP.

Information about SHAP, its work and how people can help can be found at www.shapuk.org and www.facebook.com/groups/1161884587960781/ 

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