The people of Liverpool have wrapped supportive arms around a "brave" dad who quit his job and travelled to Ukraine to reunite with his wife and son.
Ian Umney, 28, from St Helens, quit his job as a courier and English teacher to travel to Nikopol in south-eastern Ukraine to be with his Ukrainian wife Nelia and two-year-old son Jonathan.
On the day Russia began invading Ukraine, Thursday, February 24, Ian spoke to his wife who was "very upset" as they started bombing the country.
READ MORE: 'Scared' dad quits job and flies to Ukraine to be with wife and son
After an overwhelming feeling of needing to be with his family, he decided to get there as "quickly as he could".
Since hearing about the 28-year-old's journey, scousers were quick to offer their messages of support and luck to the dad.
Ruth Strong said: "That is fantastic news hope they are both well and safe. My thoughts are with you all, God bless you."
Evelyn Daley said: "Please try to stay safe, and I sincerely hope that you can get you and your family home to the UK very soon."
Hugh O Sullivan added: "May God bless and protect him on his journey."
Sue Bulman wrote: "Best wishes with your journey. I hope you get there safely and manage to bring your family back. Respect, peace and prayers to you and your family."
Ian made the decision to fly from Manchester to Krakow, Poland, on Sunday before travelling to the Ukrainian border - crossing into the country in the early hours of Monday morning.
He has been sharing videos of his progress on TikTok, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
Last Thursday, the world woke to news that Russia began an invasion on Ukraine, and since then people have been showing their messages of support and solidarity.
Rosina Brown said: "What a wonderful man. Wishing you safety. Take care and stay safe."
Craig Fletcher added: "I would do the exact same, we are only here once so family is more important than anything. I hope you complete your mission as a family and get back to the UK safely."
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