A Watford FC fan is helping a hospital in Lviv coordinate medical equipment to help Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.

Alan Ahern says medical supplies are “desperately needed” to treat victims and has a list of items “urgently required”.

Mr Ahern put out an appeal on twitter to urge anyone who has contacts with hospitals, medical centres, medical manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies to get in touch.

He said: “As you can imagine medical supplies are desperately needed to treat victims of this war - armed forces and civilians. We are setting up a network of supply. There is a centre in Poland to receive aid and then deliver to Lviv.

“I am trying to find details of individuals in a position to make donations of equipment. I need their contact details and an idea of their product range. We have a comprehensive list of items urgently required.

“Please retweet to spread this message.”

Meanwhie, unions are urging the Government to take emergency financial measures to support the Ukrainian people, and respond to the impact of the conflict on the cost-of-living crisis in the UK.

In a letter to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the TUC said he should a consider a 100 per cent windfall tax on the profits of companies still invested in Russian state enterprises.

Unions are also calling for safe routes to the UK for those fleeing the conflict and moves to protect families against further energy price rises as a result of the crisis.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Trade unions condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine. We know that working people in Ukraine, Russia and across Europe want peace. The UK Government must pursue all diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal.

“The Chancellor must use his spring statement to act, too. That means ensuring that sanctions are more effective, with funding to crack down on money laundering in the UK.

“And he should fund greater humanitarian assistance for Ukrainians, including safe passage for those fleeing the war.

“Working people in the UK will need protection from even steeper hikes in gas bills from the conflict.

“The Chancellor should introduce grants to help with energy prices, roll out an emergency programme of home insulation, and fund it with a windfall tax on excess energy profits.”