#OneMillionClaps appeal for health service heroes launches
14 April 2020
An urgent appeal launched today to raise millions of pounds to support NHS nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers saving British lives during the coronavirus crisis.
An urgent appeal launched today to raise millions of pounds to support NHS nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers saving British lives during the coronavirus crisis.
The goal is to inspire at least a million people to show their backing for the NHS by texting a “clap” along with a message of support and a donation of £5. Among the NHS charities benefiting is CW+, the charity supporting Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
#OneMillionClaps will be launched on ITV, potentially with Good Morning Britain and millions of people are expected to step out on to their doorsteps once again at 8pm to applaud the NHS to show their gratitude to staff risking their lives for us.
A short film featuring NHS staff and public from across the UK has been produced to promote the appeal. The film—voiced by David Walliams—features a re-recording of the Queen classic “We Will Rock You” with new lyrics: “NHS, We Love You. We Say, We Say, Thank You.”
The appeal is being run by NHS Charities Together and 100% of each £5 donation will go to the COVID-19 Urgent Appeal which will grant the money back out to member charities to provide a range of supplies and support for NHS staff and volunteers—including food, travel, accommodation and counselling.
Individual messages will be forwarded to the designated contacts at each NHS charity (which will be the donors’ local hospital). The intention is that NHS Charities will then display these messages on whiteboards, chalkboards, available screens and noticeboards around the hospital sites. Also sharing them through social channels and internal NHS comms. This is so frontline NHS staff and volunteers will be able to see the messages of support as they arrive and depart their shifts and move around the hospital.
Furthermore, consented donor details (those who have opted in to receive communications from their local hospital charity) will be provided to NHS charities and these details can be added to member’s donor databases and used for further contact as required, in line with GDPR and ethical fundraising practises.