Cottesmore Headmaster In A War Zone – Final Thoughts

For those of you who did not read the previous explanatory article here, Cottesmore Head Tom Rogerson accepted an invitation to join a cross-party delegation on a mission to Ukraine. MPs from the Labour, Liberal Democrat & Conservative parties accompany him on the trip – as well as no small amount of journalists – but Humanitarian charity HopeFull is at the heart of the exercise. As Tom makes progress in his journey, he posts updates on LinkedIn – updates that School House Magazine will also be publishing. His mission having reached its end, his final thoughts on the journey can be read below.

‘The worst thing about the trip was learning about different ways in which humans have been hurt during the conflict. And the missile warnings – three or four times a day.

The best thing about it was appreciating the privilege of associating with humans offering humanitarian support and talking to people who are keen to help mitigate the suffering. And, of course, the borscht was a highlight.

This video, while lacking in borscht, shows a line-up of resilient, kind & inspirational people full of humanity, creativity & hope. The delegation grew every hour that we were in Kyiv – new people would join with every meeting & excursion. Each person would bring their own story & reason for wanting to help – each person brought their own angle.

My angle three years ago, when we drove from London to the Ukraine border with supplies & provisions, was simply to ‘do something’. This time around, the same philosophy applied. Everyone brings something different to the table but what everyone needs out there is to be remembered, to be noticed, to be seen and heard.

HopeFull serves as the eyes for the unseen, offers love to the hearts in need, brings thought to the forgotten, and provides sustenance for the weary.

HopeFull brings hope.’

To read the previous entry, click here.