NHS Charities Together announces Liverpool Captain, Jordan Henderson, as its first official Champion.
NHS Charities Together, the member body for 241 NHS charities across the UK, exploded into public consciousness last March when it launched its COVID-19 Appeal and raised over £150m.
Jordan’s relationship with NHS Charities Together began back in April, when he created the #PlayersTogether initiative which saw athletes from across clubs and leagues join together to make donations to NHS Charities Together’s COVID-19 Appeal. Jordan knew first hand the pressures NHS staff, in particular, were under because he has family members who work for the NHS, and he is hugely grateful for the great care his Dad received when he was treated for cancer last year.
In his new role as Champion, Jordan will help the charity to fundraise, promote the impact of NHS charities and the incredible difference they are making to NHS staff, volunteers and patients; and seek to inspire the public to be healthier, happier and more active in order to further support the NHS.
Later this year he is planning to launch a challenge that will combine fundraising with helping to get the nation more active.
Jordan Henderson, Liverpool Captain and NHS Charities Together Champion said:
“This is a massive honour for me. As part of being involved with NHS Charities Together I’ve got to hear first-hand from NHS staff about the challenges they face and how donations are making a such a difference to them. I am delighted to be the charity’s official champion and I’ll do what I can to shine a light on the amazing work NHS charities do to support the NHS.”
Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said:
“Getting to know Jordan, and his passion for the NHS, over the past few months, has been fantastic. He’s already done so much through #PlayersTogether and we’re so thrilled to welcome him on board as our official champion. He’s such a fantastic role model and thank him so much for choosing to share his platform with us.”
Money raised by NHS Charities Together is being distributed to NHS charities across the UK who provide whatever support will make the biggest difference for the staff, volunteers and patients. That could include providing ways for isolated patients to speak to loved ones, a place to rest for staff working long hours and specialised psychological support for those struggling with stress, trauma and separation from their loved ones. The funds are also helping to support vital partnerships outside hospitals, such as hospices, community healthcare and social care so they can provide care to patients, volunteers and staff outside of hospital.
NHS charities are also providing additional support where it is most needed by NHS staff, volunteers and patients in their area, with a focus on support for people who are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis, such as patients and staff from BAME communities and high-risk groups like those living with disabilities.
In the longer term, the money raised will also fund programmes to help staff and families recover fully once the crisis has abated, reducing the long-term impact on them and the people they care about.
For more information about NHS Charities Together, please visit: www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk and to read its 2020 Impact Report please click here.
