ROMAN ABRAMOVICH helped pay for 55 seriously ill children to go on a trip of a lifetime to Euro 2016.

The Russian oligarch is the largest donor of the Fulfilling Dreams charity, which sends kids with illnesses to football games around the world.

5 Some of the fans who benefited from Roman Abramovich's support Credit: Array

He donated some £232million of his estimated £6.1billion fortune to the cause in just two years.

This time, a group from Israel and their carers watched three games at the finals in France, visited Euro Disney and went sightseeing around Paris.

They were lucky enough to take in two Germany games and saw Republic of Ireland's shock win over Italy.

The charity was set up by 23-year-old volunteer Gilad Salter. He and Abramovich came into contact through ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant.

5 Roman Abramovich helped pay for ill children to go to Euro 2016 Credit: Array

5 The Chelsea owner has helped finance the trip with some of his billions Credit: Getty Images

5 Germany's last-16 win over Slovakia was a highlight for the group Credit: Array

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Salter said of Abramovich to CNN: "I couldn't believe how generous he was. He sent us some money and said, 'Thank you for doing something so special. It's my honour to help you.'

"I think what appealed to Mr Abramovich was the fact that this was a charity run by volunteers, with nobody benefitting financially.

"We had a meeting with all the kids going on the trip and we sent him an email with some photos. He's really interested in what we're doing and wants to help."

A spokesman for the Stamford Bridge owner said: "He is generous with a lot of worthy causes, many of which are focused on helping children.

5 Roman Abramovich was said to be happy he could help the children Credit: Reuters

"Fulfilling Dreams fits that profile, providing a wonderful service to some very special kids and helping them to live out their dreams of being able to travel to major football tournaments."

Salter added: "We try to take different children on our trips to make sure everybody gets an opportunity.

"I think this year we've only got a couple who have been before - but sadly that's because we're worried they might not be around in another two years."