In just a few weeks, coronavirus (Covid-19) has brought the UK to its knees.

Now more than ever, we are reliant on our doctors, nurses and medical staff in our NHS hospitals.

These guardians angels of the community are serving on the frontline under impossible pressure to save lives.

While the majority of the population are confined to their homes, these heroes are forsaking their own health and well-being to put people like you and I first.

And this is why local newspapers across Newsquest are joining forces to raise money for the incredible NHS workers at the frontline of the healthcare crisis.

We think it is time for us as a country to say thank you – and we hope you will join us in donating money to support this workforce.

We are supporting NHS Charities Together, which supports 250 charities across the UK, and their urgent Covid-19 appeal which is raising money to support workers and volunteers at the frontline of the pandemic.

Funds will be used for well-being packs and gifts for staff in hospitals up and down the country, food deliveries and refreshments, covering the cost of travel and accommodation and other items which enhance the well-being of NHS staff and volunteers.

At this time of hardship, it is important for us, the community, to bring some joy and happiness to those who are giving us so much.

There have been appalling stories of nurses such as Dawn Bilbrough struggling to get access to fresh vegetables due to stockpiling.

Or junior doctors and nurses being forced to share masks because there simply isn’t enough personal protective equipment to go round.

This is where we – as the public – can come together and help. We are asking our readers to extend this support to the heroes of the NHS, to let them know we care and are thankful for everything they are doing for us.

Please donate whatever you can, and let us give a collective, united message to our NHS workers of our huge appreciation for their efforts.

To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels.

Get involved in our campaign by telling us why the NHS matters to you or how it has made a difference to your life.

Tweet us or post on Facebook to share your stories, using the hashtag: #ThankYouNHS.

You can also get involved by sending us a picture of yourself holding up a piece of paper reading, “#ThankYouNHS” - some of which we will print in the paper.

Let us show our NHS staff that we care, and that we are thankful for everything they are doing for us all during this crisis.

How you can help

  • YOU can help the support the NHS in a number of ways by donating to Newsquest’s campaign and by following their rules and guidelines to help slow and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
  • DONATE to Newsquest’s Support Our NHS Guardian Angels by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels. Funds will go to NHS Charities Together’s urgent Covid-19 appeal to support staff and volunteers on the frontline of the pandemic. Money will be spent on wellness packs, travel and accommodation costs and covering food and drink. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please share the appeal on social media.
  • SUPPORT the NHS by following the official health advice which is to stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading. The NHS is asking the general public to adhere to the prime minister’s message of staying home. Residents should only leave their homes for one of four reasons: to shop for basic necessities, to carry out one form of exercise with members of the same household, for any medical need or to provide care and to travel to and from work but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
  • SIGN up to volunteer for the NHS as an NHS Volunteer Responder. The health service is looking to recruit an army of volunteers to deliver medicine, drive patients to appointments and check in on those isolating at home. Within 24 hours of launching this week, more than 400,000 people around the UK registered. If you have time to spare and are in good health, sign up at goodsamapp.org/NHS.
  • SPREAD the message about cleanliness - not the virus - by encouraging others to wash their hands and keep a safe distance away from one another. The NHS advises people should wash their hands with soap and water often and should do so for at least 20 seconds.