Hibernian Women have hailed the 'power of football ' after raising more than £8,000 for a charity set up to rescue dozens of Ukrainian orphans.
Fifty-two children were brought to Scotland by the Edinburgh-based charity Dnipro Kids, which was set-up by Hibs fans at the beginning of the Russian invasion.
In response to the devastating scenes witnessed in Ukraine, Hibernian Women wore a special kit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag - with the words 'We Stand Together' - during their match against Hearts Women on March 20.
Captain of Hibernian Women, Joelle Murray, praised those who got behind the money drive and expressed awe at the power of the sport to make a change for good.
She said: “We are delighted to be in a position to contribute to the Dnipro appeal via the power of football, the amount raised is extraordinary and we can't thank everyone who bid and donated enough.
"A special mention goes to Stewart McGuire whose idea it was, his creative thinking coupled with his passion to support this group of people is extremely admirable and it wouldn't have been possible without him."
Supporters purchased shirts, entered a raffle and made generous donations both at the game and via the team's JustGiving page, with an incredible £8,110 totalled for the Dnipro Kids Appeal.
It comes after the orphans were welcomed as guests of honour at Easter Road in the Hibs match against St Johnstone earlier this month.
The charity was set up by Hibs supporters after a tie with Dnipro in 2005.
Since then, the body has helped provide healthcare, clothing, beds and other essentials to orphans in the city.
When the war broke out in February, the youngsters faced a terrifying journey to flee the city, situated on the Dnieper River in central Ukraine.
The group faced constant shelling and aerial bombardments on their way out of the country, and then became embroiled in a red-tape wrangle in Poland.
But in March the children, rescued from different orphanages in the area, finally landed in London and made their way north to Edinburgh - more than 2,000 miles away from home.
Their safe arrival in Scotland saw them enrolled in school and they are now settling into their new lives.
Steven Carr, 56, chairman of Dnipro Kids, added: “Dnipro Kids would like to give a huge thank you to Hibernian Women for auctioning off their limited edition shirts in aid of funds for the Dnipro Kids charity.
"Thank you, and all the best for next season. GGTTH.”
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