Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Tom Bryant & Kirsten McStay

David and Victoria Beckham donate £1million to Ukraine emergency UNICEF appeal

David and Victoria Beckham have generously donated £1 million to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The former Manchester United player said that with his wife and four children "safe" at home, he felt "helpless" when he watched footage of the "scenes of despair" in Ukraine.

The 46-year-old, who is a Global Goodwill Ambassador, has now launched an emergency UNICEF appeal to provide aid to those who are caught up in the conflict in Ukraine, after it was invaded by Russia two weeks ago.

Becks took to social media to confirm that he and wife Victoria have already given a large donation themselves.

He didn't disclose how much exactly the couple had pledged, but a source told the Mirror that the generous donation amounted to seven figures.

A source said: "David and Victoria have made a donation on behalf of their family to kickstart the appeal. The scenes in Ukraine have been heartbreaking and they were determined to help."

There have been numerous reports of people fleeing parts of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict (AFP via Getty Images)

Announcing the initiative, David posted a video on Instagram, in which he said: "Like you I have watched the situation in Ukraine unfold with horror and disbelief."

He continued in the video: "Mothers forced to flee with their children. Families torn apart. Children pulled from their beds to become refugees overnight."

The dad-of-four said that with his own family "safe around [him]," he felt "the helplessness" that is shared when faced with "scenes of such despair."

He then added that "as a long time Global Goodwill Ambassador," he knows how experienced humanitarian aid organisation UNICEF is at deploying aid in conflict situations.

Discussing such support, he said that they have people "on the frontlines as refugees pour over borders " in the hope of being given shelter in neighbouring countries.

He continued: "That's why [...] I'm setting up an emergency appeal through my 7 Fund for UNICEF to help provide immediate aid. Victoria and I have made a donation on behalf of our family to kickstart the appeal.

David concluded by calling on fans to donate: "We would be so grateful if you would join us to help UNICEF support these innocent children. Please give what you can today."

The retired footballer has been an ambassador for UNICEF UK since 2005. He launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletter here .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.