IN just a few weeks, coronavirus has brought the UK to its knees.

Now more than ever, we are reliant on our doctors, nurses and medical staff in our NHS hospitals.

These guardian angels of the community are serving on the frontline under impossible pressure to save lives.

While the majority of the population are confined to their homes, these heroes are forsaking their own health and well-being to put other people first.

And this is why local newspapers across Newsquest, publishers of The Northern Echo, are joining forces to raise money in the name of the incredible NHS workers at the frontline of the healthcare crisis.

We think it is time for us as a country to show our gratitude, and we hope you will join us in donating money to say thank you.

Almost a year ago, as part of the lead up to The Northern Echo’s 150th anniversary, we launched a £1m appeal to transform cancer care for patients across County Durham.

The aim is to establish a centre of excellence to ensure those suffering with cancer get the privacy and dignity they need.We joined forced with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s official charity to expand and improve the chemotherapy day unit at the University Hospital of North Durham, where cancer patients from throughout the county can choose to have their initial treatment.

A donation to the Excellence in Cancer Care appeal would be a fitting way to acknowledge the dedication of our health workers.

The Northern Echo:

Alternatively, funds can be pledged to NHS Charities Together, which supports 250 charities across the UK, and their urgent Covid-19 appeal, which is raising money to support workers and volunteers at the frontline of the pandemic.

Funds will be used for well-being packs and gifts for staff in hospitals up and down the country, food deliveries and refreshments, covering the cost of travel and accommodation and other items which enhance the well-being of NHS staff and volunteers.

The Northern Echo:

At this time of hardship, it is important for us, the community, to bring some joy and happiness to those who are giving us so much.

There have been appalling stories of nurses such as Dawn Bilbrough struggling to get access to fresh vegetables due to stockpiling.

Or junior doctors and nurses being forced to share masks because there simply isn’t enough personal protective equipment to go round.

This is where we – as the public – can come together and help. We are asking our readers to extend this support to the heroes of the NHS, to let them know we care and are thankful for everything they are doing for us.

Please donate whatever you can, and let us give a collective, united message to our NHS workers of our huge appreciation for their efforts.

Get involved in our campaign by telling us why the NHS matters to you or how it has made a difference to your life.

Tweet us or post on Facebook to share your stories, using the hashtag: #ThankYouNHS.

You can also get involved by sending us a picture of yourself holding up a piece of paper reading, “#ThankYouNHS” – some of which we will print in the paper.

Let us show our NHS staff that we care, and that we are thankful for everything they are doing for us all during this crisis.