David and Victoria Beckham have donated £1 million to support children affected by the devastating conflict in Ukraine.
The retired footballer, 46, said that with his own wife and four children "safe" at home he feels "helplessness" when confronted with the "scenes of despair" streaming out of Eastern Europe.
The Global Goodwill Ambassador has now launched an emergency UNICEF appeal to provide aid to those trapped in the war-torn country - after it was invaded by Russia two weeks ago.
He shared news of the appeal - running through his 7 Fund initiative - on social media, confirming that he and wife Victoria, 47, have already given a large donation themselves.
He didn't reveal how much 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."
Announcing the initiative, David shared a video of himself 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 former Manchester United footballer said that with his own family "safe around [him]," he felt "the helplessness" that is shared when faced with "scenes of such despair."
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The father-of-four said 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.
The Mirror approached reps of David and Victoria for comment.
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