Published on 15 May 2020
An appeal to support hard-working hospital staff during the coronavirus outbreak has been boosted by donations from local NFU Mutual agencies.
Staff from the insurer’s agencies covering Canterbury and Sittingbourne, and Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield, donated grants totalling more than £6,300 to East Kent Hospitals Charity’s appeal for frontline staff.
They money is part of a national £1m fund launched by NFU Mutual and the two local agencies nominated the charity to receive a share.
Charlotte Blue Rook, from the Canterbury and Sittingbourne Agency, said: “We are very grateful for the wonderful work your charity is undertaking to support our community at this difficult time.”
Doug Jackson, senior partner from the Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield agency, said: “We are delighted to be able to help in a small way for the amazing work all our frontline healthcare workers are doing.
“I know my whole team joins me in passing on our thanks.”
The money will help support the wellbeing of staff working across East Kent Hospitals. The charity has so far funded a range of initiatives including toiletries for staff to use when they shower before going home after their shifts, radios for isolation wards, and snacks and healthy treats for intensive care staff.
Other funding is earmarked to improve outdoor spaces for staff to enjoy during their breaks, and for ongoing emotional support.
Dee Neligan, fundraising and development officer for East Kent Hospitals Charity said: “We have been overwhelmed by support from our local businesses and communities and are incredibly grateful to have received these grants from local NFU Mutual Agencies.
“These will ensure that we can continue to fund projects which will enhance staff wellbeing and morale, which are invaluable at this time.”
The team from the Canterbury and Sittingbourne agency is also joining in a Rainbow Run fundraiser on Sunday, 17 May. The event aims to see Kent residents run, walk, skip or jump a total of 1807km while dressed in rainbow colours, to raise money for East Kent Hospitals Charity. It is being supported by Kent Cricket, Shepherd Neame and The European School of Osteopathy. For more information see https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-rainbow-run
You can donate to the charity’s Helping Your Hospitals appeal at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ekhc2020
