An Oxfordshire man drove for 22 hours to deliver supplies to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia and collect a very special cat.

Gary Timmis, an ex-military man from Liverpool who's lived in Long Hanborough for the past 22 years, retrieved a cat from Slovakia for a Ukrainian family in Oxfordshire.

READ MORE: Refugee toddler excited to receive same doll she left in Ukraine from charity

The 57-year-old, who works as a time-critical courier for the NHS, said:  "When I heard about this cat, which had to be left behind, I couldn’t not go to Slovakia and get it. 

"These women are going through a terrible time and I thought the least I can do is put a smile on the children’s faces."

Oxford Mail: Gary and Michael Timmis (right) returned a very special cat to a Ukrainian refugee family in Oxfordshire.Gary and Michael Timmis (right) returned a very special cat to a Ukrainian refugee family in Oxfordshire.

Mr Timmis gathered donations for refugees based in Slovakia which he delivered with his brother, Michael, between April 2 and 5. 

The duo were able to crowdfund the fuel money for their long journey to Slovakian capital Brataslava, and were lent a van for the purpose by Witney DH Building services. 

Oxford Mail: The lucky cat retrieved from Slovakia in a donation drive for Ukrainian refugees.The lucky cat retrieved from Slovakia in a donation drive for Ukrainian refugees.

The donations were collected at Harnborough Manor School.

The families they met in Slovakia were 'overwhelmed' by the donations, he said, and the moment they returned the cat to the family in the UK was 'really something' according to Mr Timis. 

He said: "If you think you can do something to help, you just do it. That's it"

Oxford Mail: Donations collected for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia.Donations collected for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia.

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