Dame Helen gets behind ICU charity
DAME Helen Mirren is backing a campaign raising funds for NHS intensive care staff on the coronavirus frontline.
The Oscar-winning actress posted a picture of herself first thing in the morning to help boost the fundraising appeal in aid of Britain’s critical care heroes.
Dame Helen, 74, wrote on Instagram: “In return for this picture of me literally first thing in the morning, please donate to the intensive care support.”
Dame Helen joined celebrities including Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer, 27, and Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston, 56, who are raising awareness of the Intensive Care Society.
The charity supports ICU doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and other health professionals who are battling to save lives day after day.
The appeal has raised more than £52,000 so far for critical care workers facing unprecedented pressure as they battle to save the ever-increasing numbers of patients on life support.
Film and TV actor Christopher said: “Over the next few months, 11 per cent of us diagnosed with Covid-19 are going to need intensive care. We are going to need the people who work in these units.
“These people are knowingly putting their own lives at risk to save our lives and the lives of people we love.
“Anything you donate will contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of intensive health care professionals who are saving our lives.”
Donations will help fund mental health support and the distribution of “morale-boosting wellbeing packages”, including food and essentials, to intensive care units.
It will also help pay for support for patients, as well as intensive care research in the UK.