Harry Redknapp joins hundreds on Ukraine beach walk fundraiser

The Walk for Ukraine event, organised by Sandbanks couple Rob and Giorgia Wylie, saw a large group of people make the three-mile journey on foot from Bournemouth Pier to Shore Road, Poole.

The fundraiser hit a target of £10,000 on Sunday morning, which will be matched by Rob and Giorgia, meaning at least £20,000 will go to charity Disasters Emergency Committee's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Rob told the Daily Echo: "Like everybody we have been watching the news every day and looking at what is unfolding in Ukraine and felt pretty helpless, so we really wanted to do something that would make a difference.

"It is nice for people to do the walk and show solidarity towards the people of Ukraine but even better than that it is raising money to go to people who are now refugees.

"People without a home, families who have been broken up in a country they don't know anyone or have anything and they have just had to scoop everything up that they can carry and take it with them.

"We are in a fortunate position in this country and it is nice to be able to do something to help."

Harry Redknapp and event organiser Rob Wylie

The Disasters Emergency Committee is a UK-based charity which has an affiliation with 15 other charities, such as Oxfam and British Red Cross. The money will go directly to the people who need it most.

"We only came up with this idea on Tuesday but as soon as I mentioned it to Harry (Redknapp), he said he definitely wanted to be involved and asked what he could do to help," added Rob.

"He is a brilliant person and always gives a lot of time to other people. It is great to have his support."

Harry Redknapp taking part in the walk

Former Cherries and Tottenham Hotspur football manager Harry told the Daily Echo: "Any help we can give to the people of Ukraine, we have to do it.

"It is so sad what is going on. It is unbelievable really. Innocent people being bombed and young kids being killed. It is just horrendous. Any support we can give and raise some funds to help the people there that need it is what we are here for.

"It is lovely to see people come out here today and give up their Sunday morning to come and help. It is just fantastic."

Harry added: "Rob is great guy and him and his wife are a great couple.

"They are matching the donations, which is brilliant."

To find out more about the fundraiser and to donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/giorgia-rob-wylie