STV's concert for Ukraine raises £11.3m for humanitarian appeal

STV’s concert for Ukraine featuring a host of music stars raised £11.3m as people across the UK made generous donations to the appeal.

The sum was added to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

It brings the total amount raised by the appeal since its launch to £253.7m.

Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol and Emeli Sande were among the acts on the bill for the event at the Resorts World Arena on Tuesday evening.

Camila Cabello, Tom O’Dell, Manic Street Preachers and Gregory Porter also featured, after the concert was kicked off with a performance by Snow Patrol.

Ukrainian Eurovision winner Jamala also held her country’s flag aloft following her performance.

The concert began with a performance by Snow Patrol. (STV) STV News

Saleh Saeed, CEO of the DEC, thanked all those who have donated to the appeal.

“We’ve seen 10 million people forced out of their homes inside Ukraine,” he said.

“Families in Ukraine need help right now with food, water, medical care and shelter.

“Those families who’ve also made it to neighbouring countries need our support.

“DEC charities are on the ground helping deliver essential aid.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to the DEC appeal. Your donations are making a huge difference, not just today, but for the weeks and months ahead.

“Please continue to give. Thank you.”

Broadcasting legend Sir Trevor McDonald paid tribute to those working in and around Ukraine producing news reports of events from the country.

“We’re here tonight because of the humanitarian crisis that is rapidly unfolding and has been unfolding in the Ukraine,” he said.

“And the reason we know so much about it is because of the daily reports that we can read in the press, we can see online, we can hear on the radio and that we can watch on our television screens.

“Never in my lifetime did I ever think I would see such scenes of destruction and despair.

“We see them right now because there are reporters, photographers, producers, translators, fixers, camera operators and security advisers, all risking their lives to bring us uncensored accounts of what they see and what they hear.

“This is never very easy, it requires bravery, it requires courage, fortitude, and sadly, some of our colleagues have already been injured, and some even more sadly have lost their lives.

“So on behalf of us all, I’d like to pay tribute to everyone working in and around Ukraine at the moment and to say thank you for continuing to bring us the news even in the most challenging of circumstances.”