Hereford Cafe Owner Delivers Aid to Ukraine Troops During Christmas

While many individuals anticipate celebrating Christmas with their families, a Hereford-based cafe owner is dedicating his time to transport provisions to military personnel in Ukraine. Pete Masters, a father of four, has been providing assistance to soldiers in the Donetsk region since the commencement of the conflict with Russia in 2022. He departed for the region on Sunday, marking his tenth journey, carrying warm apparel such as socks, gloves, and hats, a significant portion of which was contributed by Hereford residents. From his cafe, The Sacred Brew, he contributes 50p from each coffee sold to acquire supplies and finance his expeditions. The former New York City firefighter stated that he had previously resolved not to return to Ukraine, but felt compelled to continue his efforts to ensure the troops received necessary provisions. He remarked, “It’s -10 over there, so anything I can take to the troops that’s clean, new, that doesn’t smell, is great.” He added, “I just carry it in my bag and deliver.” The Foreign Office has issued a warning advising against all travel to the majority of Ukraine, encompassing the Donetsk region. During a prior trip, he narrowly avoided harm when a rocket impacted the area as he was departing the front line. He now utilizes a bulletproof vest during supply deliveries to safeguard himself from shrapnel, explaining, “The biggest killer out there is the shrapnel from the constant artillery bombardment.” However, he further stated, “If the troops are there, I want to be there with them.” He concluded, “It’s as simple as that.” He expressed confidence in his imminent return to Hereford to celebrate a delayed Christmas with his family. “Stupid as it sounds, I’ve never thought my life was in danger,” he commented. He recounted, “We’ve been shot at, we’ve had rockets fired at the car.” “Something always brings me home,” he affirmed.