Staff, students, alumni and friends have responded by coming together as a community to show their support.

The appeal was launched as part of #GivingTuesdayNow: a global day of unity in response to Coronavirus recognising the practical as well as philanthropic contributions being made to support others.

At the time of writing, almost £20,000 has already been raised for the appeal from over 240 individuals in support of the rehabilitation research project, which will be critical for recovering COVID-19 patients. This project is the current priority of the Rapid Response Innovation Fund at the Development and Alumni Relations Office, which has supported simulated training for our Nursing and Midwifery students and the School of Pharmacy and Engineering in its effort to fight COVID-19 by producing PPE for the NHS.

Support for this activity has come in various forms, including from a group of local musicians who have recorded a song called 'Heal This Broken Land' to thank NHS frontline workers and help with Queen's University's appeal, as well as supporters running their own local fundraising activities.

Commenting on the response generated by the appeal, Nathalie Trott, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Queen's, said:

"#GivingTuesdayNow was all about celebrating the tremendous efforts people are making to fight COVID-19. It also recognised the contribution that so many people are making both practically and philanthropically to support others. I want to thank all those who have given to what was the first staff appeal in many years. Your generosity is heartening and will make a huge difference to those recovering from this awful virus.

"The appeal hasn't finished and if you would like to make a donation we would be extremely grateful for your support."

Donate at: https://daro.qub.ac.uk/covid19research