Something amazing happened.  After 11 months of shielding I was given my first dose of vaccine. The vaccine that may well save my life. The vaccine that will certainly save many lives around us all. 

How do I feel? 

Excited - for the changes the vaccine will allow. 

Grateful- for the life I get, that I may not have had. 

Impatient! After nearly a year, to get my hugs, to see family & friends...

But WAIT...

Whilst I sat for the 12 minutes after my jab I looked around the room of other vulnerable adults:  I'm pretty sure NONE of us would be here today if it weren't for the NHS. I look at the staff. They look exhausted. I think of the ward staff, the nurses in ITU who are on their knees.  Here I am, ready to count down the days, desperate to put my arms back around those I love, to see the family & friends I have not seen for so long whilst the NHS staff will carry on, day in day out. With very little respite they are working at an intensity that’s hard to imagine & difficult to sustain. I want to give something back to the NHS. I want to say Thank You. Improving kit & staff levels would be a good start. Funding was challenging  prior to the pandemic & coronavirus has blown away all chances of recovery. Now is the time for us to help where we can. 

I’m a doctor myself, I had to retire a couple of years ago because I have a heart/muscle disease myself, but I do have an idea of what my colleagues are going through right now, and it’s not good. I have lots of friends in the NHS who have been working on this treadmill since last spring- the phrase “working like there’s no tomorrow” comes to mind. But nobody wants to say that. My mates keep on keeping on. For me, For you, for everyone. They are exhausted, mentally & physically. I can’t help, except with the odd phone call.  But I do know that limited resources have been making staff lives challenging for a long time even before Covid came along, so if I can help I will, & you can too. Just Give What You Can.  All money raised will directly go to NHS Charities Together.

Each & every pound will help get the NHS back on it's feet. It will get families, friends & neighbours who need urgent care seen faster. It will reinvigorate care in the community & shore up the fight to improve the millions affected by mental health issues.

So if you've had your jab & want to give something back, start by donating here, & share our campaign GiveWhatYouCan.

How much do things cost in the NHS? 

Each vaccine costs £12.58. One day In ITU costs around £2000. One hour of nursing care costs £35.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.