Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt has revealed how a near-fatal stroke spurred him to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine, where he has been working for almost three years.
The 66-year-old former cavalry officer and tank commander has been travelling to the war-ravaged country with Operation SafeDrop, sometimes venturing close to the front line.
Hewitt explained that he was motivated to act after watching Russia's 2022 invasion on television.
He said: "I could quite clearly see what was good and what was evil."
Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt has revealed how a near-fatal stroke spurred him to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine, where he has been working for almost three years
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He added: "Rather than shout at the television, I thought I'd try to help."
His humanitarian missions are particularly remarkable given his health struggles in 2017, when he suffered a stroke that left him paralysed down his left side.
Hewitt told the Sun: "I had a stroke, a septic embolism. It paralysed my left-hand side."
He also underwent heart surgery for a faulty valve, with doctors warning it was "touch and go" whether he would survive.
James Hewitt has admitted to having an affair with Princess DianaPAHe said: "The times I was made aware of the seriousness, I was sort of resigned to the fact that my time had come."
Miraculously, Hewitt recovered and found new purpose in helping others.
He said: "I thought if I could get myself back on my feet, who knows what I could do."
Through Operation SafeDrop, run by John Lawler, Hewitt has delivered tonnes of aid ranging from water to medical equipment.
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Princess Diana sat down for the BBC interview in 1995GettyHewitt explained: "We're very flexible and nimble. We'll go to places that others don't or won't or can't."
He's been deeply moved by Ukrainians who have lost everything yet remain defiant.
Hewitt had a five-year affair with Princess Diana between 1986 and 1991 after meeting at a party.
Diana confirmed the relationship in 1995 during her infamous BBC interview with Martin Bashir.
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