A "one million claps" campaign will be launched today to help raise at least £5 million for NHS workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.
During the last two weeks, people across the country have taken part in a mass round of applause for the frontline healthcare heroes who are risking their own lives battling the virus.
A third clap will take place on Thursday, April 9 and NHS Charities Together, a collective body supporting the work of the NHS' official charities, is asking people to text “clap” to 70507, which will trigger a £5 donation, along with a message of support.
The new clapping appeal, is being promoted with the hashtag #OneMillionClaps, to encourage at least one million people to donate £5 each.
It will support NHS staff by funding food deliveries, overnight stays, kits and travel costs.
Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together said: “Like everyone else I’ve been incredibly moved by the millions of us showing our public support for our health service over the last two Thursday evenings.
"I really hope #OneMillionClaps inspires those who can to give a donation that will make a real difference to the amazing staff and volunteers who are daily saving lives and battling against this horrible virus on our behalf.”
She added: “Thousands of staff are risking their lives every day for us and many of them are now sick themselves or at breaking point. If we can raise £5 million tonight, it will go a long way to providing them and their families with the support they so desperately need.”
A short video has been made for the campaign, voiced by comedian and writer David Walliams has voiced a video appeal for the campaign. It features a version of the Queen song We Will Rock You with its lyrics amended to “NHS, we love you; We say, we say, thank you”.
In addition, Katherine Jenkins has confirmed that her We'll Meet Again duet with Dame Vera Lynn will be released and it was inspired by the Queen's speech to the nation over the weekend when she rounded it off with the title words of the classic track.
It was also announced on Wednesday that the 20 captains of Premier League football clubs would set up their Players Together charity fund to raise £4 million for NHS charities.
