Coronavirus: James McAvoy reveals Masks for NHS Heroes campaign has raised almost £1.5m

Campaign is raising money for essential protective equipment for medical workers on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19

James McAvoy has thanked the public after a crowdfunding campaign raised almost £1.5m to provide protective equipment for medical workers fighting the battle against coronavirus.

The actor received praise for drawing attention to the campaign, to which he personally donated £275,000. The campaign target was initially £200,000 but was then raised to £500,000.

The doctors write in their appeal: “Unfortunately current hospital supplies are not sufficient and while we are reassured the government is doing everything it can, healthcare workers on the frontline are risking themselves daily without adequate protection to care for sick patients.”

In a new video posted from his Instagram, McAvoy announced that the latest figure raised is £1.47m, with 17 days remaining to raise the target of £1.5m.

The His Dark Materials star called the sum a “fantastic” result and thanked everyone who had donated.

“We want to tell you that so far we’ve got 100,000 visors coming into the country... a supply secure of another 150,000 pieces of PPE is secure and waiting in China to be transported... fantastic work and fantastic donations have made this possible,” he said.

McAvoy also thanked the partners who have helped with the campaign, including the company DHL, which is distributing the supplies around the UK for free.

He encouraged anyone who hasn’t donated, or those who might consider donating more, to do so, but added that another way to help support the fight against coronavirus is to stay at home as per government instructions.