A County Durham community has pulled together to raise £2,500 for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion during a heartwarming event. Ruth Foreman and Tanya Mitchell organised a special 'Consett for Ukraine ' event on Saturday.
They were inspired to do something after they were left "heartbroken" as they watched Ukrainian people flee for their lives on the news. The event, held at the Citizens House in Consett, had a pop-up café and raffle run by seven-year-old James Grundy.
Children got the chance to plant a sunflower to take home in the hope that when the flowers bloom in summer there will be peace. People could donate as little or as much as they could.
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Ruth saying they have been left "overwhelmed" by the support from the local community: "It's been amazing - we've just counted and we have raised £2,500 so it's been really successful.
"Lots of people have just been overwhelmed and so grateful to be able to have somewhere to see everyone and do what they can to help Ukraine. People have been so encouraging and have been thanking us for holding this event and bringing people together.
"We had 600 sunflower seeds donated to us so we've been putting the seeds in little bags for people to take home and even a local infant school is taking some to plant some themselves. It's been great to stand together as a community and stand with Ukraine."
Ruth felt compelled to hold the event after she was left "heartbroken" seeing children and families pile out of Ukraine. She said: "Like many people, I was sitting watching the terrible sights on the TV and just felt helpless.
"I just wanted to cry for all the families. Especially seeing dads saying goodbye to their children as they go off to war, it really pulled on my heartstrings.
"I have got two grandchildren who are one and three and I just think what if that was their dad having to go off to war. When I think about being in that situation, it's heartbreaking.
"We just want to raise as much as possible. I thought it would be lovely to get people in the community together because at the moment people in Ukraine can't spend time together as a community.
"It gives people an outlet for their anxiety and allows them to do something to help. We can stand up for Ukraine and raise money for those that need it."
