Nich Wolff is an extraordinary volunteer paramedic whose humanitarian efforts have spanned continents and crises. This year, Nich drove three ambulances packed with medical equipment over 1,600 miles across Europe to Ukraine. Alongside them, he delivered a Honda sports car repurposed as a “snatch vehicle” for evacuating wounded soldiers from frontline areas. These vehicles were left as gifts, painted in camouflage by grateful Ukrainians.
Nich’s dedication goes back years—he made four trips to Afghanistan training hospital staff in emergency medicine and delivering life-saving equipment for British soldiers engaged in the fight against the Taliban. In 2011, he brought medical supplies to help children born with limb disabilities and collaborated with a charity founded by former ITN newscaster Sandy Gall, providing critical operations and care.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, stranded on the remote island of Vanuatu, Nich volunteered with ambulance crews practicing emergency medicine and assisted locals recovering from a Category 5 tropical cyclone. His paramedic work has also taken him to famine-hit Ethiopia and civil war-ravaged Haiti.
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Now, Nich leads the organising committee for A Modern Day Pilgrimage, an ambitious charity walk to raise funds for the elderly and vulnerable in Ukraine and Wells. Chair of trustees at FMS—the charity providing medical services at Glastonbury Festival—Nich has brought together a coalition of supporters for this inspiring event.
The walk will be led by Annie Maw, former Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, who will complete the scenic 30-mile route from Bath Abbey to Wells Cathedral in her wheelchair. The Bishop of Bath and Wells has also enthusiastically joined the cause.
Set over two days on September 13-14, A Modern Day Pilgrimage directs 75% of the raised funds to assist elderly victims affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine. One beneficiary is Anatoly, an elderly gardener who lost both legs when his home was bombed in Eastern Ukraine. Proceeds will help provide him with a wheelchair, specialized care, and prosthetics.
Humanity & Inclusion, the charity managing this support, emphasizes the importance of equal access to aid for older adults and vulnerable populations trapped in conflict zones. The remaining 25% of donations will benefit Wells Almshouses, a local charity supporting elderly residents.
Annie Maw encourages everyone to participate or sponsor her through her GoFundMe page (gofund.me/5b3076a3). Several prominent figures, including Bishop Michael, are set to take part, with the bishop noting, “We are supporting elderly people in Ukraine suffering immense hardship due to the invasion by Russia.”
Those interested in joining the walk or learning more can contact Stephanie Sutcliffe at FMS by emailing [email protected].