OLDHAM community champions have issued a heart-felt appeal to help provide care packages for frontline hospital staff battling the coronavirus.

In a message to supporters, the members of Saddleworth Round Table said they have set up a justgiving page to raise funds to support staff at The Royal Oldham Hospital through their shifts in these unprecedented times.

Round Tablers Michael Procter and David Wood said the funds will provide snacks, toiletries, energy drinks, hand moisturiser, phone power banks, chocolate bars, toothbrushes and other essentials.

In a statement, they said: “The packages to help front line NHS staff in Oldham get through their emotionally and physically draining shifts over the next few weeks — please donate what you can.

“Round Table will purchase these items in bulk over the next few days and deliver them directly to the front line staff at Oldham.”

They went on: “In these extraordinary times, we would like to reach out to everyone in Oldham to help us support our NHS heroes at Oldham hospital.

‘We have spoken with a number of contacts at the hospital, specifically in ICU and theatres.

“Staff are working very long shifts in very difficult conditions. They are finding it hard to eat, sleep and generally keep themselves going.

"No matter how big or small your donation, please be generous. Everyone in Oldham may be in need of our doctors and nurses in the next few weeks.

“We stress we do not want physical items, just cash donations to justgiving so the items can all be bought online in bulk and delivered remotely.”

And they add: “Just £1 may buy the mars bar that keeps that nurse going when its your turn to visit. Thank you — and stay safe.”

Round Tablers stressed they don't want anyone going to the hospital unnecessarily.

Donations to should be made to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mike-procter-srt558?utm_term=XyB2kQYME

Regular updates on our donations will be available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaddleworthRT/