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This article was updated on 25 February 2024. Reason for update: Added a YouTube video link about Harley from Professor Gerdes Explains channel.
To visit Harley’s YouTube channel directly, scroll to the link below.
About Harley Whitehead
Harley, from Blackburn in Lancashire, is a certified British EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Technician whose vital work saves lives. He is urgently supporting the Ukrainian Volunteer Army by leading mine-clearing operations, a mission critical to civilian safety every day.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Harley was a Kyiv resident, having moved to Ukraine in 2019.
After the invasion, Harley went to Kosovo, where he enrolled on a course to qualify as an EOD technician. He graduated in June 2023 as an EOD Technician in Humanitarian Demining.
The associated Twitter post shows Harley and fellow graduates proudly displaying their EOD Technician graduation certificates at MAT in Kosovo.
Harley is the second person from the left in the top row.
Graduation as an EOD Technician, passed all Practicals with a 94% pass on the written exam! ????
— Harley Whitehead (@EL4UKR_Harley) June 15, 2023
Months of hard study, our focus will be hooking up with the teams in Ukraine and saving limbs and lives, we are self funded, but are forever grateful for any help.
Link in the bio
#???????? pic.twitter.com/sWIXrOeJ1d
Harley Whitehead awarded the Brother For Brother medal
On 12 October 2023, Harley was awarded Ukraine’s Brother for Brother medal.
This medal has been awarded since 2014 to foreigners for their sacrifices in support of Ukraine.
I recieved my 'Brother for Brother' medal from the authorities, I'll dedicate this award to the absolute hellish logistic work with AFU, near my death experiences in Izyum and Chernihiv and hiding in my van under leafless trees in Avdiyivka
— Harley Whitehead (@EL4UKR_Harley) October 15, 2023
New chapter begins ????????????
#298 #ukraine pic.twitter.com/ytRHPv91MV
Harley urgently sources equipment from the UK, playing a crucial, immediate role in providing infantry soldier Brandon Mitchell of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with radios destined for Ukraine’s front lines. He frequently travels to the UK to secure essential radios and demining equipment for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army. With winter approaching, Harley quickly sourced and delivered thermal suits for deminers, helping them stay safe in harsh conditions.
Another recent project is the purchase of a 3D printer. This printer will be used to print models of PFM mines, educating schoolchildren about the dangers associated with them. PFM mines are Soviet and Russian anti-infantry high-explosive mines, also known as “butterfly mines” or “petal mines.” The mines can be deployed from aeroplanes, helicopters and mortars. They glide to the ground without exploding, then explode upon contact.
Mine dimensions: 119 x 64 x 20 mm (4.69 x 2.52 x 0.79 in). Source: Wikipedia. Accessed 30 October 2023.
Image: Mike1979 Russia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
EastLancs4Ukraine Charity – Harley started his work
When the war in Ukraine began, Harley founded the EastLancs4Ukraine charity, which he continues to run alongside his partner, Kara. Harley and Kara have made numerous trips with essential medicines and food for displaced civilians.
The associated photograph shows Harley’s truck loaded with supplies bound for the eastern front.
The photograph was taken on 23 November 2022.
Harley Whitehead is a self-funded volunteer
As a self-funded volunteer, Harley depends on donations to carry out his life-saving work in Ukraine. Your contributions allow him to purchase specialised demining and safety equipment for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, supply radios to medics, and provide essential items like thermal suits for deminers, making their missions safer and more effective.
The associated video features Harley giving an excellent explanation of the current state of humanitarian demining in the Kherson region.
Podcast from Rick The Ukrainian’s channel with guest Harley Whitehead. Dated 8 October 2023.
Slide the above podcast video forward to 49:50 seconds to view Harley’s appearance on the podcast.
What is Humanitarian Demining?
Humanitarian Demining VS Military Demining
Humanitarian Demining is removing landmines so communities can use the land again, like for farming.
Military Demining is done by soldiers to make a safe path for the army to move.
Source: United Nations. 5 Pillars of Mine Action. Paragraph 2. Accessed 2 September 2023.
The above information is what I have learnt about Harley Whitehead from his social media channels, which I have listed at the foot of this post.
This is Your Chance to donate to Harley Whitehead’s humanitarian appeal
Every contribution you make, no matter the size, directly saves lives in Ukraine’s most dangerous areas. Stand with Harley and make a difference now.
Harley’s Official Donation Links
- Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/EastLancs4Ukraine1
- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/el4ukr
- BACS: Sort code 04-00-04 Account 88286752
Harley was featured on Professor Gerdes Explains YouTube channel on 12 January 2024
Harley’s Social Media Channels
Harley Whitehead Demining Saves Lives in Ukraine
This article about Harley has recently featured on South Coast View’s YouTube channel.
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