Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Roisin O'Connor
Monday 06 April 2020 14:25 BST
Comments
James McAvoy thanks donors after Masks 4 Heroes campaign raises £1.4m

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in