Coleen Rooney’s mercy mission to meet Ukrainian child victims of Putin’s evil war

Devoted Coleen has told how her four boys inspired her to meet with displaced families suffering because of the years-long Russian invasion

Coleen Rooney today revealed she thought of her children as she made a mercy dash to meet bombed-out kids left devastated by Vladmir Putin’s bloodthirsty war in Ukraine.

The devoted mum, 39, told how she was inspired by her four boys – Kai, 15, Klay, 12, Kit, nine, and Cass, seven – as she jetted into Poland to meet families who fled their homes as the conflict erupted. And the former I’m A Celebrity… star, 39, revealed she thought of her adopted sister, Rosie, who died aged 14 in 2013 after a lifelong battle with Rett syndrome, as she met disabled refugee kids. The war in Ukraine has displaced families at a scale and speed not seen since World War Two.

READ MORE: Russia blames UK for Ukraine drone attack that ‘risks escalation to World War 3’

Coleen Rooney met with Ukrainian children who were displaced by Putin’s bloody war(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

Almost nine million people have fled into Poland since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 2022. And during a trip to a UNICEF Educational Rehabilitation School, Coleen met fitness coach Kateryna and her seven-year-old son, Murat, who has learning difficulties and is unable to speak.

They fled Nikolayev – the frontline of Volodymyr Zelenskyy defense against Putin’s brutal regime – and made a two-day bus trip of nearly 700 miles to find safety in Krakow.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror about her encounter with stricken mothers forced from their homes, Coleen said: “As a mum, your first thought was what would you do? What goes through your mind is just to protect the children and make sure that they are OK. And that’s exactly what these mum’s were doing, they got out of Ukraine.

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“I spoke to one lovely mum, Kateryna, who said a tank blew up outside her house. They had their son behind double walls in the house so that if anything hit the house, they were protected by the outer wall.”

Coleen Rooney UNICEF High Profile Supporter (center) talks with Yuliia Karpenko (left) her daughter Anastasiia Karpenko and Yuliia's sister Olisia Popadiuk (right from the back)
Coleen Rooney UNICEF High Profile Supporter (center) talks with Yuliia Karpenko (left) her daughter Anastasiia Karpenko and Yuliia’s sister Olisia Popadiuk (right from the back)(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

“She showed me videos of what was happening and that resonates with you, because of that protective instinct.” She added: “I can relate to being a mum and the first thing in that situation is to get out of danger, to just make sure the kids are OK. But I couldn’t imagine what was going through their heads, the emotions.”

Almost 1.6 million refugees are in Poland and around 90 per cent of them are women and children. Exclusive footage given to the Mirror shows children swarming over Coleen as she met children at a UNICEF centre catering for disabled youngsters.

Coleen Rooney walks in a park with a woman
Coleen said she grew up in an environment similar to the one some Ukrainian children are now going through(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

And today Coleen, who tied the knot with football legend Wayne Rooney, 39, in 2008, told how the trip evoked memories of her beloved younger sister, Rosie. Coleen said: “One of the schools was for children with disabilities. And I grew up in that environment, my sister went to a school like that.

“It was just like where they were, with music therapy, physiotherapy and all those things for the sensors. I felt so comfortable, it wasn’t a shock. That was probably the easiest visit of my time in Poland.”

Coleen Rooney in Poland
Coleen said seeing children recuperating in Poland ‘wasn’t a shock’(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

“Because I’ve experienced that and I felt comfortable there.” Coleen also visited a Spilno Hub, in Krakow, which supports families who’ve fled the war, providing psycho-social support to help them deal with the horrors of war. She met Yuliia, her sister Olisia and Yuliia’s daughter Anastasiia – known as Nastia, aged four.

They have been in Krakow for three years, travelling from Kryvvi Rih on an evacuation train carrying just a backpack each. As they fled they turned their phones off to help them go undetected by missiles.

Coleen Rooney meets with Joanna Zubel coordinator of the Spilno Centre Krakow
Coleen said artwork done by some of the displaced children was ‘upsetting to see’(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

Now Coleen has told how the trip helped “open her eyes” to the reality of war and the devastating impact it has. Coleen said: “I wouldn’t say it’s affected me, but it’s given me a big insight into what’s going on around the world and the aftermath. You know, you think it is over, it’s not. These people have been hit with trauma and it’s hard for them to move on.

“They’re doing what they can but it could affect them for their entire lives. That’s what struck me, we see things on the news, but we don’t think that much into it.”

Coleen Rooney sits with children in Poland
The mum said she gained ‘big insight’ into the lives of displaced Ukrainians(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

“It was a real eye opener to see the disruption to people’s lives.” She added: “It’s quite a humbling thing to see.

“But I think the great thing is that despite the tragedies there are people that are willing to go above and beyond for people out there.”

Rooney family
Coleen and Wayne with their sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six

But despite the harrowing trauma suffered by children during the conflict, Coleen said the mental care they were receiving was paying dividends.

She added: “There was one place we visited and what really stuck with me was, they showed me all the artwork the children had done when they had initially arrived from Ukraine.

Coleen Rooney in Poland
Coleen Rooney is a high-profile UNICEF supporter(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

“There were lots of dark colours and it was really quite moody and it was quite upsetting to see. But after being there for a while they clearly lifted and the artwork was full of lots of colour. The children have been receiving therapy and it shows that it really works.” Coleen visited Krakow with UNICEF to see how donations to the Soccer Aid charity game support refugee children.

Husband and ex-Man United and England legend Wayne is taking on a player-manager role alongside the likes of comedian Paddy McGuinness, Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.

Coleen Rooney with children in Poland during a therapy session
Coleen joined some of the children during therapy sessions(Image: Jan Brykczyński / UNICEF)

Coleen said: “Soccer Aid is a big part of our family, it’s been a yearly thing in the calendar for the last, I don’t know how many years. And my boys love attending and Wayne obviously is involved so we’re looking forward to seeing him. And then my youngest Cass is going to be one of the mascots, so it’s a real family affair.”

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Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 will take place on Sunday June 15 at Old Trafford, and will be shown live exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

BBC The Gold star Hugh Bonneville’s tragic split from wife before meeting new girlfriend

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu sadly broke up in September 2023 after 25 years of marriage, despite having renewed their vows in Las Vegas in 2018

Hugh split from his wife Lulu Williams after a 25-year marriage (Image: Getty Images)

Actor Hugh Bonneville was married to Lulu Williams for 25 years before they announced their split in September 2023.

The news came just eight days after the couple, who married back in 1998, were pictured smiling together at a wedding ceremony.

And only five years previous, Hugh and Lulu celebrated their two-decade union by renewing their vows at Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas. But half a decade on, Hugh’s representative confirmed their split.

According to the chapel’s website during the time of their vow renewal: “Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams stopped by in early August to renew their marriage vows. The British actor, who played Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, on Downtown Abbey, and Williams first married in 1998.”

READ MORE: Downton Abbey confirms heartbreaking detail in third movie poster – leaving fans in tears

Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams
Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams renewed their vows just 5 years before they split

A source with close ties to the pair spoke of the breakup, saying: “It’s a shame as locally they were known to be a very sociable couple. Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year. He has lost a bit of weight this summer, he was looking trim, tanned and relaxed.”

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Hugh, 61, and Lulu, 57, tied the knot in November 1998, after which Hugh admitted he was shocked that he’d actually got married, fearing he would never find The One.

After his vows, he said: “I thought I would be a bachelor for years. I’ve often been the guy who doesn’t get the girl.”

Hugh and Lulu’s love story was the stuff of fairy tales, having first crossed paths in their teen years, only to rekindle their romance decades later thanks to a little matchmaking from Hugh’s mother, Patricia.

Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams attend A Musical Soiree - The Academy Of St Martin In The Fields at Hotel Cafe Roya
The former couple share one child together(Image: Getty Images)

Hugh fondly recounted: “Lulu was running a marquee company… my mother rang her to hire some chairs or something and said, ‘Do you remember Hugh?’ and that was how we reconnected. It did infuriate me that I had to give full credit to my mum for reintroducing us.”

They lived near each other in England’s West Sussex and previously explained that they refused to let the glitz of Hollywood affect them.

Together, Hugh and Lulu are proud parents to their 22-year-old son, Felix. The couple chose to keep their family life relatively private but speaking to the magazine Parents, Hugh once opened up about fatherhood.

He said: “I think the absolute key one is don’t force your child to do the things you failed to do and wanted to do, like playing the piano or something.

“Another great piece of advice that someone once said to me when my little boy was arriving was, ‘Hug him close, and let him fly.'”

In October 2024, Hugh confirmed he’s in a new relationship with Heidi Kadlecova.

Hugh Bonneville is now dating Heidi Kadlecová
Hugh Bonneville is now dating Heidi Kadlecová

In photos obtained by the Mail Online, the actor and 53 year old vegan influencer Heidi could be seen sharing a kiss on the streets of London and in another snap, Hugh lovingly had his arm around Heidi.

According to reports, Hugh has also introduced Heidi to the cast and crew of his new movie, Go Away!. During their time on set, the pair were reportedly spotted sharing cuddles in between scenes, with a source claiming that Hugh’s mood changed considerably in the presence of Heidi.

Commenting on their romance, a source told Mail Online: “Hugh and Heidi seemed really loved up and excited to be in each other’s company.

“Her being on set brought out another side to him, he was like a different person on set when she was around, considerably perkier.” The source added: “He introduced her to everybody connected with the project and they came across as a really sweet pair, like a couple of lovebirds.”

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Immediately after his split, Hugh was rumoured to be dating Canadian actress Claire Rankin, known for her roles in the films, Molly’s Game and Seven in Heaven, as well as the TV show, Ally McBeal.

They were spotted together in March, but decided not to address the rumours. By July, Hugh was spotted with Heidi.

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Katie Price sends Harvey back to college early after he destroyed £3k television

Katie Price has told her social media followers she had to send Harvey Price back to college a day early after she woke to the sound of him smashing her expensive television

Harvey smashed his mum’s £3k tv(Image: PA)

Reality TV star Katie Price has revealed she has had to send son Harvey back to college early after he destroyed her television. The former glamour model took to Snapchat to share the incident which saw her oldest son “smash” the £3,000 device.

Harvey, 23, shocked his mum after his outburst left her needing a new TV for her living rom. The mum-of-five told her social media followers what had happened before informing her son of the consequences of his actions.

Uploading a video to the platform, Katie filmed Harvey, who has septo-optic dysplasia (a disorder of early brain development which has caused blindness), autism and Prader-Willi Syndrome (a rare genetic condition which can cause an excessive appetite).

She explained how she was woken up by the sound of the TV smashing at six in the morning. In the clip, Katie, 47, asked him: “What has mummy just heard?” In a calm response, Harvey said: “Smashing the TV.”

Katie and Harvey
Katie Price has opened up about Harvey smashing the TV

She then questioned why he did what he did and he told her that it had angered him. She later told her followers that she wasn’t convinced by his story, saying she didn’t think anything had been playing on the screen.

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Katie went on to tell Harvey: “You was going to college tomorrow to get some new meds [medication], but now when are you going? You are going now.”

A despondent Harvey replied: “Oh god,” before his mum explained she needed to send him back so she could get a new TV for her home. She described the situation as “sad”.

Later, Harvey apologised and told the former glamour model it wouldn’t happen again. However, Katie told her son: “Well you’ve got to go to collage now and get some meds.”

Harvey and Katie before his 23rd birthday
Harvey and Katie before his 23rd birthday(Image: katieprice/instagram)

The update comes after Katie celebrated her son’s 23rd birthday last month. She shared a gorgeous photo of herself and her son cuddling in bed before his birthday celebrations.

Katie took to her Instagram stories on Bank Holiday Monday to share her excitement about Harvey turning another year older. The sweet upload saw the duo laying face-to-face in bed as they enjoyed a relaxing day chilling at home.

Katie shared her excitement for son’s big day as she gushed: “Bank holiday cuddles before lots of celebrations tomorrow.” She has been open about Harvey’s growing health concerns as he tipped the scale at 30 stone.

Speaking candidly to sister Sophie on The Katie Price Show, Kate didn’t hold back about the reality of their situation. “He’s just under 30st and that’s huge,” she explained. “He’s on the verge of a heart attack. He won’t have a long life if he carries on putting more and more weight on.”

Katie then confessed they are working closely with a medical team to try to turn his situation around.

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Snoop Dogg reveals plan to open a burger van outside major British football club

Snoop Dogg said he would like to bring a pop-up burger to Celtic Park as he believes football fans would love it – and he even shared his perfect recipe for a good burger

Snoop Dogg said he’d like to open a pop-up burger van(Image: Getty Images)

Snoop Dogg has revealed he hopes to open a burger van at Celtic Park – and said he would like to serve fans himself. The West Coast rapper has previously spoken of investing in the Glasgow football club, similar to Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ involvement with Wrexham FC.

Snoop Dogg, 53, has already published a cookbook and claims to have spoken to chef Gordon Ramsay about a possible venture in Glasgow together – but he has now revealed he wants to set up a fast-food van at Celtic’s stadium in the city’s east end.

He has described Celtic supporters as “special” and the best fans in European football, and said he identifies strongly with the club’s mascot Hoopy the Hound – describing it in a previous interview as a “match made in heaven”. The keen sports fan worked as a correspondent for NBC at the Paris Olympics last year, has launched two youth football leagues, and has been a vocal advocate for pay equality for female athletes.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg makes bold offer to reunite ‘feuding’ Prince William and Harry

Snoop Dogg's cookery book
The rapper has already published a cookbook(Image: PA)

He told the Sunday Mail that Celtic fans would support the burger van and that it would become a foodie “Paradise” – the nickname give to Celtic Park. He said: “I would love to bring a pop-up burger (van) to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good.

“It’s got to be Celtic Park, man. The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon.

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“The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.” But he said he would not be taking his culinary ventures to Celtic’s Old Firm rivals at Ibrox.

Celtic Park
Snoop Dogg said he would open the burger van at Celtic Park(Image: Getty Images)

Snoop told the Sunday Mail: “Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss.” The confession comes after the rapper offered to swoop in and heal the rift between estranged brothers Prince William and Prince Harry.

Earlier this year, the rapper, whose links to theroyals go back years, as he was asked to perform at William’s stag party, said he’d be more than happy to act as peacemaker between the estranged pair. “Harry and William, I have known for a long time now,” he said.

“Harry asked me to perform at William’s bachelor party but I couldn’t make it. Anything they want to perform at now, I am there. They are brothers, man. Anything that gets them in the same room and being brothers again will be worth it. Life is too short to not make things right, and if Snoop can help heal that relationship, then let’s do it.”

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, pose for a photo with the trophy following the club's promotion to the Sky Bet Championship on April 26
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, pose for a photo with the trophy following the club’s promotion to the Sky Bet Championship on April 26(Image: Getty Images)
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The Drop It Like It’s Hot star also opened up about his friendship with David Beckham, which dates back over 30 years, calling him his “brother” – and he said “Uncle Snoop” will always be there for his kids Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, too. “You know in this industry you get a lot of acquaintances, but real long-lasting friendship is a rare thing for real,” he began.

“We have been friends for over 25 years, he isn’t a friend to me anymore he is a brother to me. From the first time we met we had a good connection, and our friendship just went from there. It kind of helps we both love sport, food, and music, but as the years went on our friendship became deeper.”

Michelle Keegan labelled ‘unreal’ as she poses on holiday three months after giving birth

Actor and new mum Michelle Keegan has been labelled ‘absolutely stunning’ by fans after sharing sweet snaps on holiday, showing off her postpartum body in figure-hugging dresses

Michelle Keegan labelled ‘stunning’ as she shows off her post-baby body while on holiday

Actress Michelle Keegan has used her latest holiday with her family to show off her postpartum body in an array of stunning figure-hugging dresses, just three months after giving birth to her first baby.

In a post captioned “The fits & the details”, Michelle, 38, shared a carousel of holiday outfits, including a strapless yellow crochet dress, a chocolate brown maxi dress with a plunging neckline, and a stunning figure-hugging blue dress with frilly details.

Fans couldn’t get enough of the holiday snaps as one person wrote: “How does anyone look that amazing after just having a baby?”, while another joked: “You look absolutely stunning…I am still trying to get my post-baby figure back, and my baby is 17 this year!”.

Michelle, 38, shared a carousel of holiday outfits, including a stunning figure-hugging blue dress with frilly details
Michelle, 38, shared a carousel of holiday outfits, including a stunning figure-hugging blue dress with frilly details(Image: michkeegan/instagram)

A third penned: “Wowww looking absolutely stunning as always Michelle”. The popular outfits are part of Michelle’s clothing collection with Very, whom she tagged in the post.

Michell took the trip to Cadiz in Spain, where she not only shared her stunning outfits, but announced on social media that it was her daughters ‘first’ holiday.

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Sharing some sweet snaps of her daughter, Michelle wrote: “Princess P’s first family holiday”. One photo showed Michelle cradling Palma whilst sitting at a table, while another showed them shaded from the sun in an outdoor area, with the former Coronation Street cast member covering her daughter with a blanket.

The popular outfits are part of Michelle's clothing collection with Very, whom she tagged in the post
The popular outfits are part of Michelle’s clothing collection with Very, whom she tagged in the post(Image: michkeegan/instagram)

Michelle and her husband Mark Wright, 38, announced the safe arrival of their daughter Palma in March, stating they have a “new love to share”.

In a sweet post holding their newborn’s hand, Michelle wrote: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright. 06.03.25”.

Mark recently gushed about his family on his Heart Breakfast show while chatting to his friend and fellow dad, Olly Murs. He recalled the moment he first held his newborn daughter in his arms and labelled his wife a ‘superhero’.

Michelle and her husband Mark Wright, 38, announced the safe arrival of their daughter Palma in March
Michelle and her husband Mark Wright, 38, announced the safe arrival of their daughter Palma in March(Image: INSTAGRAM)
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He said: “It’s the biggest achievement of my life it’s all I think about but obviously, hats go off to my wife she is an absolute superhuman, a superhero for bringing this baby into the world ”.

Adding: “That moment when I held her in my arms, it gets me emotional now thinking about it… I suppose everything else goes out the window, and it’s made me realise what life is all about, and my little baby Palma, I love you so much and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Married At First Sight groom under fire over ‘misogynistic’ post about ‘high standards’

After Adrian Araouzou published an Instagram video about his ‘high standards’ when it comes to relationships, some people branded his post misogynistic and criticised him online

A post Adrian Araouzou shared on Instagram was described as misogynistic by many people(Image: Instagram/adrian.araouzou)

Married at First Sight Australia groom Adrian Araouzou has been widely criticised by fans after publishing an Instagram post that many thought was misogynistic. Earlier this week, he uploaded a video captioned “Unpopular opinion” which shows him eating on a camp chair.

He wrote across the screen: “High standards because I don’t want my kids to have a mum who’s drunk every weekend, thinks it’s ok to disrespect their body, looks at doing anything for their man as a chore, has no faith in God, or prioritises material things over nature’s beauty.” Fans weren’t impressed with the message – and many criticised him for it.

One wrote: “Misogynistic manosphere springs to mind… Andrew Tate!” Another said: “what do you bring to the table though…” A third said: “Wow…unfolding. The way you speak about women is disgusting. She can wear what she likes and have fun on the weekends.

READ MORE: MAFS star drops behind-the-scenes bombshells – from odd rule to ‘creating drama’

Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou
He was paired with Awhina Rutene on MAFS but they have since broken up(Image: Channel 4)

“Mothers are not just mothers…they are their own person too! Should a woman not drink alcohol or dress up and have fun because she is a mother!!! Wow. How they let you on MAFS baffles me.” Someone wrote: “You just hit a new low here..”

One more hinted that Adrian’s post may be directed to Awhina Rutene, who was paired with him om MAFS – but their relationship faced challenges, including a cheating scandal. She has since moved on with Billy Belcher, who is originally from England but has been living in Australia for the past 15 years.

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The comment read: “This post shows exactly what type of man you are. Just because you can now see she is happy and met someone who actually cares about her and her son…. The jealousy is just wow.” Despite widespread criticism, Adrian also received some support in the comment section, where one wrote: “Love it, straight to the point!”

Adrian Araouzou
Despite receiving criticism, Adrian was defended by some people(Image: Instagram/adrian.araouzou)

Another said: “Why are people assuming Adriana is aiming this at Awhina? And these are his standards, we all have standards.” One more added: “Everyone has preference, if his don’t align with yours then just move on, he wouldn’t want ya as much as you don’t want him.”

On MAFS, Awhina and Adrian hit things off straight away on their wedding day when they realised they were both a twin, and with their family dynamics in common, it seemed like the perfect pairing. However, things went downhill on the honeymoon when Adrian made some cutting remarks when he found out Awhina had a son – telling her he’d struggle to be able to “love” someone else’s child.

Despite more rocky moments in their relationship, they managed to get all the way to the end to the final vows. They later decided to try and make their relationship work away from TV screens, but have since broken up. Awhina has now confirmed her relationship with Billy on Instagram after posting a mirror selfie of them with the caption: “I’ll keep this one.”

The Mirror has contacted Adrian Araouzou for comment.

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