AS NHS staff battle to save lives, fundraisers have set their minds to helping out.

Latoya Abunsomwan, of Brighton, has set up a fund to help maternity staff.

She said: “I would love to raise money for the NHS maternity ward as they are our frontline workers. Babies are still being born all over the world.

“Midwives work tirelessly with staff shortages in order to support newborn babies and their families.

“My goal is to support the staff on duty and provide snacks and drinks to help them feel more relieved and at ease at work in this critical moment in time.”

To help Latoya look after maternity staff visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/food-for-nhs-maternity-ward.

In Hailsham, volunteers are creating care packages of fresh fruit and vegetables to keep our vital healthcare workers going.

Organiser of the Hailsham NHS Care Package service Harry Chatfield said: “We have managed to source a decent combination of fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable goods from a couple of local suppliers.

“We have acquired enough goods to put together an initial 50 packages.

“These packages will contain a varied selection – by no means a weekly shop but just a few essentials which may not be easily accessible.

“This may even save these individuals a trip to the shop where they could put themselves at risk.”

Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hailsham-nhs-care-packages.

NHS staff in need of help can contact Harry by emailing harrychatfield@hotmail.co.uk, including proof of employment, address

and delivery times which work for you.

Meanwhile, Pet Pal Therapy provides animals that help care home residents.

Visits to care homes – where the residents are among the most vulnerable to coronavirus – have now stopped, but the animals still need feeding, with overheads costing £2,100 a month

Owner Beck Wigmore said: “ Any donation that you may be able to make, big or small will be greatly appreciated.”

To help visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/pet-pals-therapy.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund