GENEROUS Gazette readers have helped to raise an incredible £10,000 for our frontline NHS workers.

Last week, our publisher, Newsquest, launched Support Our NHS Guardian Angels - a national bid across our newspaper group to raise cash for NHS Charities Together’s urgent Covid-19 appeal.

And by day six, kind-hearted readers had smashed our initial £5,000 target with donations now exceeding £10,000.

The appeal will remain active to generate as much financial support as possible.

NHS Charities Together is a combined charity which supports 250 hospitals around the UK, including Colchester Hospital.

Money will be used for food parcels, covering the cost of travel and accommodation for staff and to buy equipment or items requested by frontline workers.

Chris Hatton, Newsquest regional editor-in-chief, said: “To have not only hit the £5,000 target but to have surpassed it within a week is nothing short of amazing.

“It is a testament to our readers - and readers across the county - and their gratitude to the NHS at this time of national emergency.

“We hope we are playing our own small part in this crisis, by keeping our readers informed through news which you can trust, both through our paper and our website.

“But none of that compares to what our frontline NHS workers are doing for us at the moment.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/ support-our-nhs-guardian-angels.

The Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity has also launched a fundraising appeal to support the welfare and wellbeing of NHS staff during the pandemic.

A spokesman said: “Our staff are amazing, dedicated people who want to ensure they can continue to provide the very best levels of care at all times.

“To do this we need your help.

“We are encouraging people to donate money, fundraise or choose an item to be delivered from our Amazon Wish Lists so that we can continue to support the welfare and wellbeing of our staff.”

Visit www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk.