Kind-hearted staff from Walsall Healthcare Trust and the community have provided an ‘overwhelming response’ to an appeal for the people in Ukraine by donating hundreds of items.

Colleagues have been giving generously ever since the appeal was launched internally last week, with over three tall cages crammed full of tinned items, toiletries, baby wear and sanitary items bound for victims of the Russian invasion.

Television footage of the atrocities in Ukraine and the suffering of their people has really struck a chord with staff.

Matron for Maternity and Outpatients Laura Parsons and midwife Gemma Stanton delivered one cage full of items from their department to be shipped out.

Laura said: “We know how tough the job is, so seeing some of the shocking pictures of maternity wards in basements knowing people are trying to provide care in a war-torn country has really made people want to give whatever they can.

“It’s been a quick turnaround and we have been overwhelmed by the number of donations from fellow midwives, support workers and ward clerks, and a school, St Mary’s of the Angels Primary School in Aldridge.”

With so many donations still coming in, the appeal was extended to 12 noon on Wednesday, 9 March.

Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley is supporting an appeal in the community set up by Dixon & Sons Construction Ltd with collection points in areas where its employees live, Walsall being one.

The firm has been inundated with support with items being taken on a large shipment to Ukraine, hopefully imminently.

“We’ve been inundated with items from staff – people have been so generous and the fundraising hub has been really busy,” said Georgie.

“I think staff just want to try to help in any way they can.”