In a selfless act of humanitarian aid, a retired silversmith from Ludlow, Shropshire has spent the last 18 months collecting and repurposing thousands of kilograms of used candles to provide vital heating and light to war-torn areas of Ukraine. Mark Stevens, a 68-year-old former artisan, has amassed over 1,000kg of candle wax from local churches, cathedrals and charity shops, which he then melts down to create temporary stoves for both military personnel and civilian residents.
With many Ukrainian communities facing widespread power and heating outages due to the ongoing conflict, Stevens recognised the crucial role these simple candle-fueled stoves could play in providing essential warmth and illumination. “It’s the idea of being in a cold, dark space with no light, no heat, and it’s something very simple,” he explained.
Stevens has made several trips to Ukraine himself to personally deliver the stoves to those most in need, while also sending additional units via charitable organisations. Each stove, fashioned from the repurposed wax, is capable of heating a single room, offering a lifeline to those displaced and struggling to survive the harsh winter conditions.
“People are throwing away candles every day, so it’s good recycling,” Stevens said. “This would heat a room. It could be used in a shelter somewhere.”
The retired silversmith’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with local Ukrainian refugees expressing their gratitude for his selfless work. Yuliia Shapoval, who is employed at a cafe within St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow, where many of the donated candles are collected, said: “I really appreciate his work. People need to feel like… somebody wants to help them.”
Church warden Lesley Harling echoed these sentiments, stating: “I think it’s amazing. Apart from anything else, the sheer amount of work that goes into it.”
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Stevens remains steadfast in his commitment to providing practical aid and comfort to those affected. By turning discarded candles into vital heating sources, he is ensuring that even the smallest of gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing unimaginable hardship.