A Scots man is making a desperate last-ditch attempt to rescue family that are trapped in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
Gary Shannon's brother-in-law's wife and two small children are stuck in the east of the country, reports Edinburgh Live.
His own wife is Ukrainian and his young son was born there and lived there for a number of years.
But while his immediate family is safe, Gary is desperate to help his inlaws - which include two young children, aged three and four.
Gary, from Edinburgh, said: "I am a frequent visitor to Ukraine both with my immediate family and at times alone; I have a deep affection for not only my family there but the friends I have made and the culture.
"I have family stranded in east Ukraine with young children - Karolina, age 3, and Alexander, age 4.
"Their parents don't want to attempt the risk of leaving and are very concerned about the supply of basics such as food, child products and first aid items."
Gary is in a bid to find transport for Karolina and her mum Alina to escape the war-torn country, while their dad Vlad is proudly staying to defend his homeland.
However, the family has been struggling to escape the country, as parts of Ukraine have been coming under relentless shelling.
Gary said: "If I can't get them out, I want to try at least to help them there in any way I can.
"My wife and I have collected and purchased a lot of essential items such as tinned food, sleeping bags, warm clothing and first aid items such as medicines for children and more, that I want to take over to the Polish border where they will be collected and took to the people who need them most in Ukraine."
Gary is prepared to use up his savings to help his family and has launched a fundraiser, with the hope of raising £2,500.
Calling for support, he said: "I understand people don't have a lot of money and, like myself, live almost month to month. But even £1 can go a long way, so if you give anything you can afford, it will go a long way and be deeply appreciated."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
