In just over two weeks, Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity impressively raised £100,000 for its COVID-19 Rapid Response Appeal, enabling it to supply ‘boost boxes’, alternative transport and wellbeing advice for NHS workers in the county.
Over 2,000 people have made donations, joined fundraising efforts and participated in virtual events set up in order to raise awareness of the appeal.
These efforts have amounted to an impressive £50,000, with £16,000 of this coming from men who are taking part in the Isolation Beard Challenge, where participants pledge not to shave during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Karen Organ, the charity’s senior fundraiser raised £3,000 by shaving off her own hair, showing true courage and commitment to the fantastic cause.
The further £50,000 was donated by the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust as a part of its national initiative to support charities during these unprecedented times of change.
Not only has this enabled the charity to provide ‘boost boxes’ of snacks and toiletries, but it has also been able to set up Staff Sleep Pods and fold-out beds for NHS staff to get rest during long shifts.
Steve Hams, director of quality and chief nurse at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We have all been so touched by the support shown by the community and the generous donations to the appeal.’
See Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity launches COVID-19 Rapid Response Appeal for more information.
To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com.
