FOOTBALL fans have helped raise thousands of pounds for people in Ukraine during a collection at a match.
More than £6,000 was donated to the DEC Ukraine appeal by Middlesbrough Supporters Forum (MSF)
It had organised a bucket collection during Middlesbrough's match against Luton.
Read more: Homes for Ukraine: Darlington man explains why he signed up
On the same day, the forum had helped to organise a collection of supplies which were sent to the Ukrainian border to assist refugees leaving the country.
In total, three tons of essential supplies were donated, along with £3,139.22 - which was match funded by NatWest, bringing the total donated to £6278.44.
MSF founder Chris Joseph said: "NatWest is matching all donations to the Ukraine fund pound for pound up to a million pounds per donation so you don't have to be an ‘oligarch’ to be generous!
"We would like to thank all Boro fans for their support. Please keep up the good work on and off the field. We collected the money and provisions because it's the right thing to do, and because we live in a country where we are free to do it."
Read more: County Durham primary school send aid to Ukrainian refugees
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