Public encouraged to raise £5m for NHS staff

NHS Charities Together is suggesting that the members of the public applauding workers from their doorsteps should donate money to raise at least £5 million for NHS staff.

On a few occasions over the last two weeks, people have been leaning out of windows, standing in gardens and on balconies to join in a national round of applause for the key workers helping the country through the pandemic.

Now, NHS Charities Together is asking people to text ‘clap’ to 70507, which will trigger a £5 donation, along with a message of support. The ‘One Million Claps’ appeal is asking for at least one million people to donate £5 by text message to fund food deliveries, overnight stays, kits and travel costs.

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “Like everyone else, I’ve been incredibly moved by the millions of us showing our public support for our health service over the last two Thursday evenings. I really hope One Million Claps inspires those who can to give a donation that will make a real difference to the amazing staff and volunteers who are daily saving lives and battling against this horribly virus on our behalf.”