Bolton’s NHS trust has marked three years since the start of the first Covid lockdown by revealing an incredible milestone.

Since launching its Covid-19 appeal in March 2020, Our Bolton NHS Charity has gone on to raise a total of £325,000 thanks to the generosity of donors.

This money has been used for a variety of projects including revamping facilities, workplace wellbeing programmes and developing a digital health app library.

Chief pharmacist Steve Simpson said: “The pandemic knocked the wind out of us all.

“The daily challenges we all had to face and the uncertainty of what was coming in the future, really got everyone down, it was a scary time.

The Bolton News: Newly refurbished lockers at Royal Bolton HospitalNewly refurbished lockers at Royal Bolton Hospital (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

“Staff were tired, drained, upset, scared and I am so proud of everyone for getting through those tough times and overcoming these daily pressures.

“This recently refurbished staff room provides a bright, comfy and fresh space where staff can unwind together on their breaks and recharge their batteries for the rest of their shift.

“It’s made a huge difference to team morale.”

So far, more than 17 refurbishment projects have been completed with around 1,000 NHS workers benefiting.

The refurbished rest facilities have, the trust, says prove vital to allowing staff to carry on doing their work, while the wellbeing programmes have helped care for their physical and mental health in the most trying of circumstances.

All across the country, NHS Charities Together raised a total of £160million for the Covid appeal, £15m of which was raised in the first five days of lockdown.

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Our Bolton NHS Charity manager Sarah Skinner said: “We are incredibly grateful to NHS Charities Together for its support and funding through the Covid-19 Appeal.

“Thanks to the fundraising efforts and generosity of hundreds of people across Bolton during the pandemic, the grant scheme has allowed us to create a lasting legacy.

“The projects we’ve funded, such as workplace wellbeing programmes and the refurbishment of rest and prayer facilities, will serve as a poignant reminder of how we all came together in support of the NHS during the greatest challenge of its 75-year history.”