IN JUST a few weeks, coronavirus (Covid-19) has brought the UK to its knees.

Now more than ever, we are reliant on our doctors, nurses and medical staff in our NHS hospitals.

These guardians angels of the community are serving on the frontline under impossible pressure to save lives.

While the majority of the population are confined to their homes, these heroes are forsaking their own health and wellbeing and putting people like you and I first.

And this is why the Hampshire Chronicle, along with other local newspapers across Newsquest, have joined forces to raise money for workers at the frontline of the healthcare crisis.

We think it is time for us as a country to say thank you - and we hope you will join us in donating.

We are supporting NHS Charities Together and their urgent Covid-19 appeal which is raising money to support workers and volunteers at the frontline of the pandemic.

Since its launch generous readers have managed to hit the £5,000 target, but the appeal will remain active to generate as much financial support for those on the frontline as possible.

So far over £11,000 has been raised for NHS Charities Together, which is a combined charity supporting 250 hospitals around the UK. The charity is hoping to raise £100million and has already received £15million in donations.

Money will be used for food parcels, covering the cost of travel and accommodation for staff and to buy equipment or items requested by frontline workers.

Toby Granville, editorial director at Newsquest said: “I am delighted that we are in some small part able to give something back to show our appreciation for the NHS workers and volunteers.

“We hope our army of readers will use this campaign to show their gratitude for those who are putting themselves in harms way every day but saving many lives by doing so.”

Ellie Orton, chief executive of the charity, said ‘This is a phenomenal start to our appeal. We are so grateful to everyone who is fundraising and donating, both big and small. You are making a huge difference. One week in, we’ve made a fantastic start towards our ambitious £100 million target. NHS staff and volunteers up and down the country have our support and we will reach that target for them.”

- To make a donation, please visit gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels.

Another campaign backed by The Chronicle’s sister paper the Daily Echo to help support NHS staff who work at University Hospital Southampton has raised more than £33,000.

The money has enabled organisers to fund wellness packages with hand creams, food supplies and mental health support information.

- To donate visit southamptonhospitalscharity.org or text NHSHEROES 3 to 70460 to donate £3; NHSHEROES 5 to 70460 to donate £5; NHSHEROES 10 to 70460 to donate £10.