Family of crying German girl at heart of online appeal has been found
The family of a crying German girl at the heart of an online appeal has been found, and the tens of thousands raised are going to a charity of the family’s choice.
Wales football supporter Joel Hughes launched a fund for the little girl after she was cruelly mocked following England’s victory over Germany at Wembley.
The JustGiving page has so far raised over £36,000 and it has been revealed that the money will now be donated to UNICEF.
Joel, who started the fundraiser with a £500 target, said he did it to “to show this little German supporter that not everyone in the UK is horrible”
The family said: “In the interests of our daughter and our family we would like to remain private however we wish to thank everyone for your amazing support.
“Our daughter would like to request your generous donations go to UNICEF, knowing that your kindness will do good.”
“It is testament to the family’s spirit of kindness and belief that society is better when people are kinder to one another, that they have extremely generously chosen to donate this gift in its entirety to UNICEF.
“As a result, the legacy of the support from thousands of donors is that thousands of children from around the world will benefit through UNICEF’s work.
“None of this would have been possible without the actions of one man taking a stand against hate in football.
“Thanks to Joel, thousands of people from across the UK and Germany were able to show their support for the campaign and for fans from across the other side of the pitch.”
‘Generosity’
Joel added: “I am beyond grateful to all the supporters of this campaign without whose help we would not be where we are today – from the bottom of my heart, I thank you!
“Thanks also to all the warm messages of support from around the UK, Europe, and as far away as Japan. Huge thanks to the JustGiving team for all their invaluable help, and to UNICEF as the worthy charity chosen by the family.
“Finally, I would like to give special thanks to the family at the heart of this campaign. Their grace, courage, and generosity is an inspiration.”
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Glad this story has come to a conclusion now.
I hope the family’s anonymity are protected and I hope I never see that image of the crying child ever again.
How lovely. Joel Hughes is to he commended for his great idea. I hope that little girl grows up to love Wales.
Won’t make any jokes. I’m English, but I’m sure she’ll grow up to be a respectable woman unlike the idiots she met online recently.
Ashamed to be British now. Even if Hitler had lived and had a daughter and her daughter had a daughter I would still not use such horrible remarks because a young girl was upset her country lost in a football match.
Our finest at Scotland Yard should find out who these users that abused her are. Then send them to prison for a few months. Racism isn’t just about what your skin colour is. I hope BLM agree!
Benjamin, please don’t tar us all with the same brush, that is also a form of racism. This was a few arrogant, ignorant, ENGLISH fans that abused her. Not Scots, or Welsh or Irish
I´m German and 60 years old. Haven´t been alive during WWII but feel ashamed every day for everthing that happend at that time, created by Germans. Most Britains I know were and are fantastic people. This is -again- fully proven by the feedback I can read here. Proud to be welcomed in your nice countries every time I travel. Thanks to Joel for this nice idea, and the recation from the girl´s family is exactly what I thought to be the best option now. The girl does not need money, she needs love and empathy. A wonderful example for disussing… Read more »
Excellent outcome
No wonder English football fans get a bad name, there’s always thuggish behaviour wherever they go, the latest behavior towards the Germans and the Danes was despicable and disgusting, and no doubt it will continue over the Italian game also. Expose and deal with these cretins and prevent the rest of the world thinking all the English are the same. When ever you hear of football violence it’s always the England fans to blame. Not tarring them all with the same brush at all here but the police and football governing bodies need to do more to rid the sport… Read more »