A CHARITY appeal to support NHS staff, volunteers and patients has now raised £100million.
Umbrella organisation NHS Charities Together hit the figure in six weeks amid the Covid-19 battle.
The total includes more than £30million donated to 100-year-old military veteran Captain Tom Moore, who walked 100 laps of his garden.
It has been spent on a variety of causes, including buying tablet computers so patients can see loved ones virtually.
“Wellness pods” have been set up for staff to take a much-needed break during long shifts.
Accommodation has also been paid for NHS staff staying away from their families, plus meals and welfare packs for workers.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said it was “completely overwhelmed and delighted”.
But she said the appeal is ongoing, with money targeted at supporting staff and patients’ mental and physical health.
She added: “The work of the NHS is far from done.”
We are urging Sun readers to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
We are backing a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.” SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking our readers to please sign the petition below.
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