Mail Force’s Ukraine Appeal burst through the £3million mark last night as Lord Ashcroft gave £100,000.
The businessman and philanthropist hailed the ‘astonishing bravery’ of those defending their war-ravaged homeland.
And as generous readers continued to donate in their droves, Sir Cliff Richard added his name to those urging help.
The singer said: ‘Along with other citizens of the world, I too have watched in horror as events unfold in Ukraine.
‘I cannot imagine the needless pain and suffering the people are going through in their beautiful country, and all because of one man’s evil ego.
‘I implore you, where possible, please support the Daily Mail’s hugely important campaign in donating money to help the refugees in their time of need in Ukraine. We stand with them.’
With one million people now having fled the fighting, the appeal is more vital than ever.
A woman holds a small girl at a border crossing, up as refugees flee a Russian invasion, in Medyka, Poland, on Thursday
A young child holds her hands against a window as refugees from Ukraine travel to a temporary camp in Przemysl, in eastern Poland, on Wednesday
Refugees from Ukraine are seen as they arrive at the Polish-Slovakian border crossing in Kroscienko, Poland, on Thursday
Lord Ashcroft hailed the ‘astonishing bravery’ of those defending their war-ravaged homeland as he donated £100,00 to the cause
The £3million was raised in just five days, breaking the record for a newspaper appeal. Money is being given to established charities such as CARE International and the Red Cross who are already working inside Ukraine.
Adding his £100,000 yesterday, Lord Ashcroft said: ‘The scenes that we have all seen from Ukraine over the past week have been utterly heart-breaking.
‘This is clearly going to be the worst refugee crisis that Europe has witnessed this century and it is only going to intensify in the short term.
‘Hundreds of thousands of decent, law-abiding citizens have lost everything through no fault of their own.’
The author and pollster added: ‘I have decided to make this donation – specifically to support the Ukrainian refugees – because I have been so moved by both their terrible suffering and the astonishing bravery of the nation’s people in trying to defend their homeland.
‘All the signs are that over the coming months, millions of refugees are going to need humanitarian aid and I would encourage everyone to dig deep to support this incredibly worthy cause.’
The United Nations warned yesterday one million refugees have fled Ukraine in the week since Russia’s invasion. Unless Vladimir Putin’s onslaught ends immediately, millions more are likely to flee, it added.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: ‘I know Mail readers share the Government’s deep concern for the people of Ukraine, and it is heartening to see so many willing to help during this terrible moment in Ukraine’s history.’
Lynn Knowles, of Mexborough, South Yorkshire, sent a note with her cheque saying: ‘Thank you for organising the appeal and for your excellent coverage of the situation, and a special thank you to your reporters on the ground.
‘A terrible situation always seems to bring out the best in journalism.’
Daily Mail readers can make donations to the appeal online, by phone or by cheque. Readers can now also donate through our MailForce fundraising site – visit www.mailforcecharity.co.uk/donate.
Those who have already donated can complete a form to reclaim Gift Aid on mymail.co.uk/ukraine.
Yesterday, the Queen made a ‘generous’ personal donation towards the British aid effort for Ukrainian refugees.
The 95-year-old donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which brings together 15 UK charities to raise money quickly and efficiently.
It thanked her on social media yesterday for supporting their Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The Government has pledged to match donations up to £20million.
On Wednesday, the Duchess of Cornwall gave a ‘substantial’ amount to the Mail’s appeal following an emotional meeting with British-based Ukrainians.
