Millions raised by Captain Sir Tom Moore helping NHS staff and volunteers

The millions of pounds raised by Captain Sir Tom Moore have funded a range of projects providing practical and emotional help to NHS staff and volunteers.

The Second World War veteran raised a total of £32.7 million after vowing to walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday in April 2020.

NHS Charities Together said health service charities have used some of the money to assist those experiencing bereavement due to Covid-19.

The organisation said it has helped patients, their families and carers at one of their most isolated and stressful moments, when they are very ill in hospital and separated from those they care for.

A significant proportion of the money that went into the Urgent Covid-19 Appeal came from Captain Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts and was a key part of the first tranche of funding.

Th organisation used the initial tranche of cash to meet urgent needs on the ground during the first wave of the pandemic and distributed further urgent funding towards the end of last year in response to the second wave.

NHS charities are also using the funds to support communities outside hospitals, and the recovery of staff and patients affected by the pandemic across the NHS.

Funds have already been allocated to providing bereavement support for families who have lost loved ones, and gone towards supporting extremely sick patients, keeping them connected with family members by funding equipment like iPads to enable virtual visiting.

Some money has been used for counselling services and helplines to support the mental health of NHS staff.

There has also been practical support, such as access to food, drink and rest areas to enable staff to continue with their work.

Other funds are being used to help partnerships outside hospitals, such as hospices, community healthcare and social care, so patients returning home have access to the care they need to recover.

NHS Charities Together said it has been working with members to support staff, volunteers and patients who are being disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 crisis, such as patients and staff from BAME communities and high-risk groups like those living with disabilities.

Funds are also being used to help thhe NHS in the future, to aid its recovery from the long-term impact of Covid-19 once the immediate crisis has abated.