The coronavirus public health crisis has seen a huge outpouring of support from the people of Stockport, the High Peak and surrounding regions for staff at Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services. 

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has received hundreds of donations, not just money but also offers of transport, accommodation, food, and more.

One appeal from sports coach Matt Quigley of UK Sports Coaching Ltd has received support from Emmerdale star Danny Miller and Stockport County players Paul Turnbull and Sam Walker, and has already raised several thousand, this following the £75,000 from Stockport County Football Club itself which will pay for extra equipment.

Stockport Foodie Friday are organising free hot meals for hospital staff from their street food traders, and asking the public who would otherwise have paid for meals to donate instead; an appeal supported by Nav Mishra MP and local band The Blossoms.

Over 200 new volunteers have joined the trust`s voluntary service within the past two weeks, providing invaluable support during an incredibly busy time.

As well as volunteers, the trust needs a large number of additional paid support staff too. Many have already joined, but more are needed. Positions needed include electrical and mechanical engineers, plumbers, joiners, maintenance operatives, boilermen, porters, domestics, chefs, catering assistants, drivers, EBME engineers, sterile services technicians and endoscopy decontamination technicians. All will be needed over the coming months. If you are interested please send your CV to EFRecruitment@stockport.nhs.uk  

Anyone wishing to make further donations should e-mail donations@stockport.nhs.uk or look up the `Donate to Us` section the website www.stockport.nhs.uk or go to the justgiving page https www.justgiving.com/campaign/stockportnhscovidappeal