Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has got behind a campaign to raise funds to support Ukrainian refugees.
The Hucknall-based Sleep 1000 team is aiming to take at least 1,000 sleeping bags and thermal blankets to Krakow, in Poland, for refugees arriving from Ukraine as they escape the conflict with Russia.
Collection points have been established for people to donate sleeping bags, as well as torches, medical dressings and bandages, thermos flasks and formula milk.
And a Just Giving page has been set up to raise funds, with every £20 donated able to be used to purchase and deliver a sleeping bag or thermal blanket for refugees to use.
More than £8,000 of a £10,000 target has already been raised, with Worrall taking to social media on Wednesday night to say more than 120 sleeping bags have been donated in person.
“Our mission is to supply a minimum of 1000 sleeping bags and thermal blankets to our friends and connections in Krakow who are providing safe spaces for refugees arriving from Ukraine,” a statement on the Just Giving page said.
“We’ll be taking them directly from Nottingham to Poland in our vans and handing them over ‘in person’ to ensure that they get there very quickly and straight to where the need is.
“This is a very specific response to a very specific need. Our friends need things for people to sleep in/on.
“Our vans will be leaving England on or around March 21st!
“For every £20 donated we’ll be able to purchase and deliver a sleeping bag or thermal blanket that will be used to keep a refugee warm at night whilst they’re staying in Poland.”
Posting on Thursday night, Worrall said on Twitter: “Incredible response so far. Thank you! Over 120 sleeping bags donated in person and over 50% of the financial target. Please help us get to 1000 sleeping bags. Please retweet but more importantly give what you can! Every penny will help. Show what the #NFFC family is all about.”
In a video to promote the cause, the Reds centre-back said: "In the next few days and weeks, millions more people are expected to flee Ukraine and arrive in Poland.
"Currently, the same amount of people that fill the City Ground's A Block are arriving every 15 minutes in Poland. That's over two City Grounds every day.
"I've never been more convinced than I am now that Nottingham, the City of Rebels, will step up to the mark."
Collection points for donations are: West Hucknall Baptist Church (Ruffs Estate) 6-9pm, weekdays until March 18th; the Griffin’s Head Pub (Papplewick), afternoon and evenings; the Horse & Groom Pub (Linby), afternoon and evenings; Nottingham Printing (Papplewick Lane, Hucknall), office hours; National Academy (Comprehensive School), 9am-3pm; the John Godber Centre, Ogle Street, opening hours.
The Just Giving page can be found, here.
