A charity has launched an emergency support fund to support staff at an NHS trust through the coronavirus pandmeic.

The Royal Free Charity Covid-19 Emergency Fund, launched by the Royal Free Charity, will be used to help staff at the Royal Free London NHS Trust Foundation.

With 10,000 people working at the Royal Free Hospital in London, the trust and the charity are asking the public to lend their support to staff as quickly as possible.

Judy Dewinter, the Royal Free Charity’s chair of trustees, said: “We are reaching out directly to the local community.

“We are asking your local NHS staff what they need and your response is going to make a real difference to their lives. Your donation will go directly to help them as they work under pressure and in the most challenging of circumstances.

“This is about us caring for people who don’t have time to care for themselves right now because they are looking after our loved ones. We have had children asking to donate their pocket money and offers of help from individuals and local businesses. I am incredibly proud to launch this campaign and to ask for your help. We want the message to be loud and clear for staff at our hospitals: ‘You are our heroes and we will support you with whatever you need."

Dominic Dodd, chair of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Every person on our team - from the doctors and nurses to the porters, cleaners and support staff, is playing a vital role in being there for others during this emergency. Please join our team effort by showing your appreciation, gratitude and solidarity for them at this very difficult time.”

Details of the campaign can be found here https://www.royalfreecharity.org/.