Robbie Keane and his wife Claudine have told of their gratitude to frontline medical staff after a "close relative" of theirs fell ill with Covid-19.
The couple revealed that their family member is now on the mend but added that things could have been much different without the hospital care they received.
The Ireland legend and his wife have now set up a GoFundMe page Our Hospital Heroes Appeal to raise money for 12 Irish hospitals.
The appeal is co-ordinated by the Mater Foundation and they hope to raise €20,000 with over half of the target already reached.
Writing on the crowdfunding page, the Keanes said: "This cause is very close to our hearts. A close relative of ours has been fighting Covid-19 for 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.
"We will be forever grateful for the sacrifices all the frontline staff have made in every aspect of fighting this virus."
They added: "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.
"Thank you so much for your generosity and help in raising these much needed funds to help our frontline heroes now and into the future."
Money raised will be distributed to 12 major hospitals nationwide, 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 and Cavan General Hospital.
The Mater Foundation will assist in distributing the funds appropriately across the 12 hospitals and causes relating to frontline workers.
