People in the UK have now donated over £100 million to help refugees fleeing Ukraine, it has been revealed.
The money has gone to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a government-backed fundraising appeal launched by a group of 15 UK charities.
These charities have clubbed together to provide aid to those fleeing their home country.
The impressive £100 million total – which has been accumulated over four days since the launch of the appeal – is said to include “generous” donations from the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Cambridge, as well as hundreds of thousands of members of the British public.
The amount raised is equivalent to more than £1 million per hour.
The DEC said the funds are already being used by charities in Ukraine and at its borders to give people food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
The DEC said the funds are already being used by charities in Ukraine and at its borders to give people food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
“This amazing show of support for people fleeing the conflict has meant that we have been able to start spending money straight away to help more people,” said Jo Kitterick, head of supporter engagement at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development – which is one of the charities involved in the committee.
“I want to thank everyone who has donated to help us support them in their moment of greatest need,” she added.
Ms Kitterick said the charities part of the committee are currently setting up safe centres with beds, food and washing facilities inside Ukraine and on its borders.
Transport, information, psychological support, and child-friendly spaces are also being provided.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was set up amid growing concern for civilian welfare following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after it was estimated that up to four million people could flee Ukraine due to the conflict.
Brits have now donated more than £100 million to the DEC providing aid to refugees fleeing Ukraine / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
The DEC said that people fleeing Ukraine are in desperate need of food, water, medical assistance and protection.
Many refugees are being forced into hiding to stay safe.
“The majority crossing the borders are women and children arriving with only what they can carry,” the DEC added.
Giving an insight into the current situation from the perspective of someone on the ground, Andrew Morley – chief executive of World Vision International, who has recently returned from Siret on the Romanian border – explained: “We support children in countless crises across the world, including those I have recently visited such as Syria and the DRC, but I have never seen a more heartbreaking situation.
“All the children I met were crossing the border in tears, with pain and fear in their eyes.
“They were lost and scared.
“They need the basics, simple, practical help [and while] our staff have been present in this area for decades and there on the ground to deliver it, we need financial support to do this.”
The DEC said that people fleeing Ukraine are in desperate need of food, water, medical assistance and protection / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
The DEC’s 15 member charities are – Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue Committee UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund, and World Vision UK.
Appeals for public donations to the committee are currently being broadcast on various UK news channels, with every pound donated by the British public set to be matched by the government up to the value of £20 million.
The DEC has stressed that monetary donations are needed as opposed to specific items, which are often challenging to transport and not always relevant.
You can find more information and donate via the DEC here.
Tescohas unveiled the menu for this year’s edition of its Valentine’s dine in meal deal, and it’s sounding tastier than ever.
Last year, thousands of Brits headed on down to their nearest Tesco to make the most of the retailer‘s always-popular Valentine’s dining deal and celebrate the international day of love in a more low-key way from the comfort of their own home – but this year, Tesco says it wants to top that success, and is hoping its ‘most generous’ menu yet will do the trick.
Launching early next month (9 February), this year, there’ll be two different dine-in deals to choose from based on your budget.
The Tesco Finest Valentine’s Dine In range includes one starter, one main, two sides – for the first time, giving customers more choice when building their meal – one dessert, and one drink, setting you back £20 with a Tesco Clubcard.
Images: Tesco (Suppled)
Or if you want to keep things a bit more budget-friendly, you can get the simpler Valentine’s Day Dine In option, which includes one main, one side, one dessert, and one drink, for just £15 instead.
50% of the menu on offer is new for 2026 too, offering you some fresh foodie inspiration alongside much-loved favourites.
Some of the starter highlights include the Tesco Finest Camembert with Garlic & Parsley Dough Balls, Tesco Finest Coquilles St Jacques, Tesco FinestMediterranean Style Breaded Prawns with Hot Honey Dip, or if you’re vegan, you can try out Tesco Finest Mushroom Parcels instead.
For mains, on the menu we have Tesco Finest Salmon & Prawn En Croûte, and Tesco Finest Beef Bourguignon Pies served with a red wine jus, or the Tesco Finest Mushroom Stroganoff Pies for vegans.
But it’s the sides that are taking centre stage this year, with the expanded selection including the likes of Tesco Finest Samphire, Petit Pois & Sliced Cabbage with Mint Dressing, Tesco Finest Rosemary & Parmesan Fries, Tesco Finest Baby Potato Traybake with Chantenay Carrots & Tenderstem Broccoli, or Tesco Finest Garlic & Parsley Ciabatta, just to name a few.
There’s also a selection of sweet treats to finish the night off, with everything from the Tesco Finest Belgian White Chocolate Delice Hearts, to the Tesco Finest Banoffee Pudding on the cards to pick from.
Drinks are also included this year too, with the likes of soft drinks, cocktails, beers, and award-winning wines to choose.
As mentioned, both Valentine’s Dine In deals launch in Tesco stores across the UK from 9 February, so you’re covered no matter whether you’re sharing a romantic moment, creating a spread for loved ones, or simply treating yourself at home.
Featured Image – Tesco (Supplied)
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Popular holiday company launches new ‘Beckham Clause’ for feuding families
Emily Sergeant
A popular package holiday company has launched a new ‘Beckham Clause’ to help protect feuding families.
It's official… family fallouts are now holiday-proof, thanks to a new ‘Beckham Clause’ that’s been launched by a Manchester-based travel company On The Beach in the wake of the ongoing – and at this point, inescapable – Beckham family feud.
In case you need bringing up to speed, then allow us to (briefly) sum up the Beckham family drama for you as best as possible.
Basically, at the centre of this discourse the eldest Beckham child, Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, and primarily his mum Victoria, although as the months have gone on, it appears there’s no member of the Beckham family that isn’t somewhat involved (okay, maybe not Harper… well at least not publicly, anyway).
Image: Natalya Zaritskaya (via Unsplash)
Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn had become estranged from his family, and had told his parents to contact him only through lawyers.
And then yesterday, of course, Brooklyn publicly spoke out about the accusations on his Instagram Stories for the first time ever… and all hell broke loose in the celebrity news world.
On the Beach’s new clause – officially titled the Family Fallout Refund, and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses – aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer, as it applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown.
Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.
Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities, every year hundreds of holiday bookings need amending due to feuds, On The Beach said, which is why it’s chosen to launch the new refund scheme.
“We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach.
“The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool.
“Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”
The Family Fallout Refund is available on family holidays with five or more people, and needs to be claimed at least 60 days before departure.
It applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
7th March 2022 
