Appeal for shops to help collect donations for South Tyneside hospital ICU nurses

Good samaritans who are collecting donations for nurses working on the Intensive Care Unit at South Tyneside hospital are appealing for help finding more drop-off points.
By Sarah Sinclair
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 13:06 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2020, 00:43 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Volunteers from South Shields Community Warriors group launched their kind-hearted initiative for staff working on the ICU ward at South Tyneside District Hospital on Friday, March 20.

They are collecting donations of essential items such as food and toiletries for those who are on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Marsden Inn in South Shields was announced as the first collection point, but the pub has since had to close after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of Friday.

Most Popular
Marsden Inn landlord Michael Ward and South Shields Community Warriors.Marsden Inn landlord Michael Ward and South Shields Community Warriors.
Marsden Inn landlord Michael Ward and South Shields Community Warriors.

Mr Johnson ordered all pubs, bars and restaurants to close in an attempt to encourage people to observe advice on social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Click here for an interactive map showing the spread of Covid-19 across the UK

Although the pub had initially remained open for donations, due to attempts to purchase alcohol on the site it has now closed completely.

Donations can still be left but people will need to knock.

ICU nurses at South Tyneside District Hospital receive their first donation package.ICU nurses at South Tyneside District Hospital receive their first donation package.
ICU nurses at South Tyneside District Hospital receive their first donation package.

However, the latest developments have led to a call for other shops and establishments – which are still open – to volunteer as drop-off points in a bid to collect as many items as possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Marsden Inn landlord, Michael Ward said: “The more places that people can drop items off at, the better.”

The scheme was launched in response to reports of NHS staff across the country "breaking down in tears" after being confronted by empty shelves in supermarkets.

Joseph Langley, of South Shields Community Warriors, said: “We took the first donation to the hospital on Friday and we couldn’t believe how grateful they were for it.

“We would like to collect enough donations to be able to deliver every couple of days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When we get sick they are the ones who will be looking after us, the least we can do is try and keep them fed and watered for now.”

He added: “I’m now looking for any local shops who would be willing to accept donations. If we do go into full lockdown as other countries have, their shops have still remained open.”

If you can help contact the South Shields Community Warriors Facebook page.

Related topics:VolunteersICUSouth TynesideBoris Johnson