A former serviceman has booked a one-way ticket to Poland amid rising tensions in Ukraine.
Father-of-one Keiran Murphy served in the British Army for 10 years but left five years ago and has since transitioned into a chef role.
However, 48 hours ago Keiran received confirmation that he will fly to Poland on Saturday, where he will surrender his passport, and head to the Ukrainian border to support British troops.
The 34-year-old, who also served in Afghanistan, said that even though he was no longer serving in the army, he felt compelled to offer his skills, NorthWalesLive Reports.
Keiran said: “When I signed up to work in the military, I agreed that protecting lives is the most important thing, and that doesn’t change when you leave.
(Photo: Keiran Murphy)
“I applied to the embassy because I have qualifications and certificates to work internationally and I have the skills to help people.
“I am aware that my family is anxious and upset, but there is a more serious situation at play here – there are millions of displaced people and things are only getting worse.”
Keiran, who lives in Ruthin, says he will be one of 15 former British servicemen to fly out this weekend.
He says he will only work with British, Canadian and American armed forces and hopes to help the Ukrainian military get refugees out of the country safely.
But the decision to go was not easy, as it means leaving behind her 11-year-old son, Oliver.
(Photo: Keiran Murphy)
He said: “He is aware of what is going on and is understandably upset.
“But when he was three months old I went to Afghanistan and was away a lot, so he knows his dad has to go to help people.
“It’s difficult because I don’t know when I’ll be back but there are also children who are part of this terrible conflict.”
Over the past week, North Wales has witnessed a huge effort to collect donations for those affected by the conflict.
Keiran said: “I think the donations are amazing, from what I’m hearing from the guys on the border, the relief is keeping people alive and without them we’d be in a much worse place.
“It helps so many people at the border points, it’s really crucial.”
Keiran’s twin brother Luke, who also lives in Ruthin, said while he understands his brother’s decision, it’s hard to let him go.
He said: “Obviously it’s upsetting that he’s leaving and we don’t know what’s going to happen, and it’s quite a sacrifice for him to go out there and leave everyone behind.
“I’m not happy that he’s leaving, but he’s made his decision and we have to support him.
“We are all very worried but proud at the same time.”