Republic of Ireland legend Robbie Keane and his wife Claudine have started a GoFundMe to raise funds for Irish hospitals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cause is very close to the Keane family as a close relative of theirs has been fighting the disease for the last two weeks.
"They thankfully come through the worst but without the help of the ICU and HDU teams then the news may have been quite different," the couple said.
"We will be forever grateful for the sacrifices all the frontline staff have made in every aspect of fighting this virus."
The Our Hospital Heroes Appeal is raining money for twelve hospitals nationally, including:
- The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
- St James's Hospital
- Beaumont Hospital
- Tallaght Hospital
- Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown
- St Vincent's University Hospital
- Mercy University Hospital Cork
- Cork University Hospital
- Waterford University Hospital
- Limerick University Hospital
- University Hospital Galway
- Cavan General Hospital
They have raised over €10,000 so far with a €20,000 target currently set.
"We know from Italy and Spain that many hospital staff will contract COVID-19 so in Ireland we must move now to protect these heroic healthcare workers both physically and emotionally," the Keanes said.
"We must help them. They are our heroes who are currently on the frontline of the COVID-19 battle and never have we needed them more.
"Right now, resources are urgently needed to treat large numbers of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. We must do so without affecting the continuing care for patients with other life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
"Our Government has already committed significant funding, but the fact remains that more will be needed. The severe impact on our courageous teams and on our resources will be felt not just now, but for many years to come."
You can help out the campaign by donating here.
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
