IN just a few weeks, coronavirus – or Covid-19 – has brought the UK to its knees.

Now more than ever, we are reliant on our doctors and nurses in our NHS hospitals. These guardian angels of the community are serving on the frontline under impossible pressure to save lives.

While the majority of the population are confined to their homes, these heroes are forsaking their own health and wellbeing and putting people like you and I first.

We think it is time for us as a community to say “thank you”.

Local newspapers across Newsquest, including South West Farmer, are joining together to launch the Support Our Guardian Angels campaign to raise money for NHS Charities Together and its urgent Covid-19 appeal.

Donations will be used for wellbeing packs and gifts for staff, food deliveries and refreshments, covering the cost of travel and accommodation and other items which enhance the wellbeing of NHS staff and volunteers.

At this time of hardship it is important for us, the community, to bring some joy and happiness to those who are giving us so much.

Nationally, we have seen community spirit thriving in these difficult times, with people supporting each other like never before.

We are asking our readers to extend this support to the heroes of the NHS, to let them know we care and are thankful for everything they are doing for us.

Please donate whatever you can, and let us give a collective, united message to our NHS workers of our huge appreciation for their efforts.

You can get involved and support our campaign by sharing our appeal and telling us why you are thankful for the NHS #ThankYouNHS on social media using the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels

Send us a picture of yourself holding up a piece of paper reading #ThankYouNHS – some of which we will print in the paper.

Let us show our NHS staff that we care, and that we are thankful for everything they are doing for us all during this crisis.