The brother of a retired chiropractor from Dundee says he is proud but “obviously concerned” after his sibling joined the frontline in Ukraine.
Mark Cashley, who ran a number of chiropractic clinics in the city, has joined a Ukrainian marine unit as the country battles invading Russian forces.
Mark, who more recently moved to France, initially made the journey to Poland and then on to Kyiv about a fortnight ago.
He provided humanitarian aid – driving ambulances between Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa.
But brother Ade Cashley says Mark was convinced to join the military effort after witnessing the horrors of war.
“He saw so much harm being done to children, in terms of them being orphaned, that he finally decided the best thing to do was pick up arms and support the mission to get rid of the Russians,” Ade told The Courier.
“In his last message he said he would be on the frontline.”
Mark, 59, told his family he had joined the Ukrainian military earlier this week – but contact has been limited since.
In previous weeks he has shared insights of his time in Ukraine on social media, including one of a Ukrainian soldier singing the Robert Burns poem Scots Wha Hae.
Ade says that Mark’s loved ones are concerned for his welfare, but appreciate why he has taken the decision.
“Obviously we’re all concerned about his safety but we fully understand what he is doing,” he said.
Family ‘proud but worried’ for Mark’s safety
“We’re extremely proud. Mark couldn’t stand by and watch the horrors unfold on television while feeling like he could do something.”
Mark established a chiropractic service in Forfar before expanding into Dundee.
He also formerly co-owned the Newport Hotel.
It’s not a surprise he’s done this, it’s the sort of guy he is
Ade Cashley
Ade and Mark lost their brother, SNP activist Calum Cashley, last year, and Ade says his six surviving siblings do not want to lose Mark too.
However, Mark’s decision to head to the frontline did not surprise his family.
Ade said: “One thing that drove Mark was that he saw the British government carry-on with the visa requirements.
“I think that was the last straw that made him go out there.
“Mark has always done a lot of good, he didn’t have any children but has spent a lot of time over the years helping children.
“It’s not a surprise he’s done this, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. It’s the sort of guy he is and it’s how we were brought up.”
Foreign Office: ‘Don’t fight in Ukraine’
Official advice from the Foreign Office is that UK citizens should not travel for any purpose, including to Ukraine to fight
UK armed forces leaders have also banned all serving personnel from travelling to the country, with soldiers told they could face a court martial if they go to Ukraine to fight.
Fife man living in Ukraine says UK must move faster to beat Putin
