Financial Planners and leading industry figures who organised a charity rock concert and auction to aid Ukrainian refugees have so far raised nearly £50,000  - £10,000 more than the target.

The organisers of 'Rock for Ukraine' have urged anyone who has not yet donated to do so now to help them beat the £50,000 mark.

Donations can be made via the website: https://rockukraine.co.uk/

The organisers hailed the event, which took place last week in the City of London at Stationer's Hall, as a “brilliant” night.

Highlights include a rock gig by talented industry band ‘Consumer Duty’ and songs from Ukrainian refugees. Consumer Duty is comprised of well-known industry personalties; Chris Budd, Ian Beestin, Jenny Smyth, Nigel Ross-Scott and Mark Polson.

Financial Planner and co-organiser Phil Billingham, founder of Perceptive Planning, said: “I think its fair to say that the night itself went brilliantly. From the quality of the venue, and the kindness of their staff, to the enthusiasm of both the band and the audience, the energy levels were fantastic.

“The possibly unexpected stars were the young Ukrainian girls singing, and the one and only irrepressible Tom Baigrie as auctioneer. Taken together with the brilliant items and experiences generously donated by so many fab companies and individuals, the outcome was that the event has so far raised almost £50,000. That will make a big difference to so many in need.”

Fellow organiser David Crozier of Navigator Financial Planning, said “One of the things that really made the event so special was the presence of many Ukrainians, many dressed in traditional clothes. Together with the young girls' amazing singing, it was a real reminder that away from the fun and safety of the event, the war continues, and – as ever – it is the vulnerable that suffer the most. That’s why we are doing this, and why we must continue to do this”.

Mr Billingham added: “Rock for Ukraine was a pretty special place to be and we are so grateful to those who gave their time, effort and money for this cause. Its unfair to single people out, but without the band – Jenny, Ian, Mark, Chris and Nigel – none of this would have been possible. And the person that drove much of the tangible success was Mark Locke of Lang Cat, who did so much to make the whole event such a success.”

Mr Crozier added “It’s important we don’t just stop and think ‘that’s it – its over’. The war goes on, and around a third of the population of Ukraine is displaced. There is more to do.”

The money raised will go to UK registered charity Refugee Support Europe and will provide help to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Ukraine’s neighbour Moldova. Many refugees fled to Moldova after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine.

Sponsors who lined up to back the band included platform Nucleus, which signed up as headline event sponsor. Novia was the band sponsor and Morningstar was the venue sponsor. Other corporate donors included: M&G Wealth, Quilter, Transact, Threesixty, Yardstick, the lang cat, Abrdn.

• To help or make a donation go to www.rockukraine.co.uk