Newport County AFC supporter raises funds for Ukraine

Newport County AFC supporter and former Academy player James Ward has raised more than £23,000 in a month to help refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

James and his wife Liv both teach at primary schools in Prague and have lived and worked in the Czech capital for six years. 

With Prague just 360 miles from the Ukrainian border (less than last weekend's round trip to Bradford), it has been one of the key cities for receiving refugees. Around 270,000 - almost all women and children - have arrived in the city since the Russian invasion began. 

 James and Liv, both 28, were born and went to school in Newport and decided to do what they could to help after visiting a refugee centre in the city. They expected to raise a few hundred pounds, and have been amazed by how much friends, family and contacts have donated - both at home in Wales and in Prague. 

"It's incredible and we can't say how thankful we are," said James. 

"We've been able to work with local charities here in Prague, and also to provide money and equipment to refugees ourselves, meaning people arriving here are getting immediate and direct help. We've bought food, water, nappies, sanitary products, baby food and other essentials and distributed them to refugee centres and directly to people in need.” 

"We've also bought beds, towels, fresh food and vegetables, and toys for children; and we have bought medical supplies and sent them to Poland and Ukraine." 

 James said: "We are incredibly grateful to Newport County AFC for organising tomorrow's bucket collection. Every penny raised will go directly to refugees here in Prague, so thank you in advance to fans for their generosity." 

Club Chairman, Gavin Foxall said: "We hope today’s collection will add to the great work James and his wife are undertaking for the people of Ukraine. Thanks in advance to everyone for their generosity, to the lads who are undertaking the collection, and of course to James and Liv on the ground."

If you'd like to help James & Liv's work with refugees in Prague, please contact James' dad Kevin by email - kevin@kevinwardmedia.com - for details of how to donate.