AN URGENT appeal launched by NHS Charities Together to support hospital staff and volunteers at the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis has already raised more than £10million of an £100million target.

Thanks to a £10million commitment by XTX Markets within hours of its launch, the fundraising appeal is already off to a flying start.

The Covid-19 Urgent Appeal is run by NHS Charities Together, which is the national charity allowed to receive charitable donations on behalf of the NHS. NHS Charities Together represents 140 member NHS charities throughout the UK. Funds raised will help support the health and wellbeing of NHS staff and volunteers supporting COVID-19 patients and support the NHS in ways above and beyond that which core NHS funding can ordinarily provide.

 Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “As the nation adjusts to life in lockdown, the commitment of NHS staff and volunteers shouldn’t be far from our minds.

 “These are the people who leave their homes to care for others and work tirelessly in the face of the virus when they’re needed most. It’s easy to feel powerless in these challenging times but this campaign is a way we can make a difference, to look after these heroes so they can give the best care possible in these unprecedented circumstances.”

 Speaking of the substantial donation by XTX Markets, she added: “Since the campaign went live, we’ve been immensely humbled by the generosity and support from individuals and groups. It shows the appeal is capturing people’s hearts and the donation by XTX Markets is also very gratefully received.”

 XTX Markets commented: “COVID-19 has put the NHS under immense pressure and ‘NHS Charities Together’, as the umbrella organisation for all NHS charities and specifically their Covid-19 campaign, are playing a crucial role in getting funds to where they are needed most – to the dedicated nurses, doctors and other frontline staff at the 140 NHS hospitals and trusts who are members of the charity. We proudly support their efforts and the vital assistance they are providing in communities across the UK during this crisis. We hope our commitment will encourage other institutions and individuals to make donations to this important cause.”

 To find out more about the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal and make a donation, visit www.nhscharitiestogether.org.uk