Brave dad-of-three pharmacist leaves Longsight on mercy mission to help Ukrainian refugees

A pharmacist from Manchester is on his way to Poland to help deliver urgent humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Father-of-three Zeshan Rehmani is due to land in Krakow tonight before embarking on a three-hour drive to the border with the war-torn state.

The 36-year-old launched his Manchester Pharmacy and Health Clinic in Stockport Road, Longsight, only six months ago.

But he told the Manchester Evening News his Muslim faith compelled him to go to help.

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His journey is part of the charity Action for Humanity's effort to help the refugees - mainly women and children. Zeshan is no stranger to conflict zones, having carried out similar work on the Syrian border for the same charity.

The pharmacist said: "I am going because of my religion. I am a Muslim, and that is not just about helping other Muslims."

He said his wife Asifa, 31, was fully behind his decision to go.

"My role will be to carry out an urgent needs assessment, provide emergency aid and to link up with other local charities on the ground," said Zeshan.

He is due to return on Monday and intends to continue fundraising for the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

And Zeshan hailed the work of Action for Humanity.

He said: "They are one of the largest non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working inside Syria and they get a lot of funding from the United Nations.

"It is a privilege to be volunteering to help them in their work."

Meanwhile, people across Greater Manchester continue to make generous contributions of cash and essentials to help the tide of refugees flowing out of Ukraine.

Retired estate agent Stephen Gooderson and his wife