DONATIONS to the County Gazette-backed Covid-19 appeal for Musgrove Park Hospital have passed £190,000.

Run by hospital charity Love Musgrove, the Covid-19 Appeal is supporting staff and patients as they tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, the charity has funded more than 15,000 meals for staff right across the county, giving them one less thing to think about during a busy and challenging shift.

A number of iPads have also been purchased to allow communication between patients and their loved one who aren’t able to visit them during reduced visitor access.

"We’ve also been able to support staff staying away from their families to cover costs like laundry and are supporting the continued running of a staff wellbeing line so they can talk to someone if they are finding work tough," said an appeal spokesperson.

"All this has been made possible by you, so thank you."

Part of the fund total have been given by NHS Charities Together, a membership organisation that looks for national support to pass on to NHS Charities like Love Musgrove up and down the country.

They have been supported by a number of high profile individuals and organisations, including Captain Tom Moore, the #PlayersTogether initiative organised by Premier League Football players and all those who took part in the 5km Run For Heroes Challenge.

"They have so far raised over £116 million and have been able to donate £101,000 to Love Musgrove so far, so thank you," the spokesperson said.

"The charity has also been very lucky to have huge support from County Gazette readers, who have donated more than £7,700 to date, which has made a significant difference to the appeal."

"But there is still more to do. Covid-19 doesn’t look to being going anywhere any time soon, and so with your support Love Musgrove can help Musgrove Park Hospital as they transition into a new normal.

"The charity will be able to establish more long term wellbeing support for staff, continue to help isolated patients keep in contact with their loved ones and fund projects above and beyond what the NHS can support."

The charity has also unveiled a new fundraising challenge, Miles For Musgrove, a socially distanced, government guideline-appropriate challenge to help make up for lost donations.

For the month of June, the charity is asking supporters to pick an activity and distance, for example 60 miles walking, and complete that over the month, while asking friends and family to donate in support of Musgrove Park Hospital.

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For more information about this challenge, and to sign up, head to www.lovemusgrove.org.uk/milesformusgrove.

You can print the form below (click to open in a larger format) to send in donations - and let us know if you are planning to take part in the Miles for Musgrove challenge!

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