Kind-hearted people in Sunderland and South Tyneside have donated £8,500 to their local NHS hospitals.
Across the country, people have been putting their hands in their pockets to help health services stretched to breaking point by the Covid-19 crisis.
In the last two weeks, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has donated thousands to show their appreciation to frontline staff battling the pandemic.
According to a trust spokesperson, the funds are being used on things like providing bottles of water and snacks for staff to keep them going on long, gruelling shifts.
The trust’s charitable fundraiser Philip Bithell said: “We have been amazed and very touched at the reaction of people who must have their own worries and concerns but who want to show our staff how much they appreciate what they’re doing.
"We’re looking at other ways in which we can use the money to support staff at this difficult time.”
According to a spokesperson, the charity aims to make a 'difference for patients and their families by providing things that are outside of usual NHS funding but which mean so much to people - from artwork to additional equipment and much, much more'.
Last week, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside, announced a fundraising drive.
The donations via the charity 'Bright' will help support staff and patients.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Trust’s general charitable fund, or to a specific ward, department or service can find information at https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity/donate-now
