David and Victoria Beckham donate $1.8 million to Unicef’s Emergency Appeal for Ukraine

Former England captain David Beckham has launched Unicef’s Emergency Appeal for the war-torn country with an emotional message.

David and Victoria Beckham have donated AU$1.8 million in support of Ukraine.

The former England captain launched Unicef’s Emergency Appeal for the war-torn country with an emotional message this morning.

David put his weight behind the campaign through Unicef’s 7: The David Beckham Unicef Fund, by sharing a plea for help with his 71.2 million Instagram followers.

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In a statement, David, 46, said: “Mothers forced to flee with their children. Families torn apart. Children taken from their beds to become refugees overnight.

“As the conflict in #Ukraine enters its second week, the needs of families are escalating and 7.5m children are now at risk.

“Today, on International Women’s Day, my 7 Fund for @UNICEF is setting up an Emergency Appeal to help provide immediate aid to support children’s wellbeing, including medical supplies and safe spaces for families.

“Please join me in supporting UNICEF in its vital work on the ground and give what you can.”

David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham. Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

David and Victoria Beckham. Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

David – who became a Unicef ambassador in 2005 – and Victoria dug deep to give their large donation from their family to get the ball rolling.

A source said: “David and Victoria wanted to do everything they could to help Unicef and their Emergency Appeal.

“They personally donated £1million to the fund and hope they inspire others to help out in any way they can.”

Fashion designer Victoria, 47, shared David’s message on her Instagram account and said: “The situation in Ukraine is truly heartbreaking.

“Please consider donating to the @unicef 7 Fund Emergency Appeal if you are able to.

“David and I have kickstarted the appeal with a donation on behalf of our family, the money will go towards providing immediate aid to support to support children’s wellbeing, including medical supplies and safe spaces for families.”

David has worked as an ambassador for Unicef for 17 years and works tirelessly publicly and privately to help them.

The Sun revealed at the end of last year the extent of the help he lends the charity, including the enormous private sums he donates.

An insider explained: “David raises around £5 million (AU$9 million) a year to support Unicef.

“This is in addition to the women and children’s projects he funds under the umbrella of his 7 Fund.

“Over the years he has probably raised over £50 million (AU$90 million) for Unicef and other charities and also quietly gives about a million a year from his own pocket.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission