KIND-HEARTED Gazette readers have helped to raise thousands of pounds to support the country’s incredible NHS workers in just a few days.

Perhaps never more than today, with the country in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic, has it been so obvious how dependent we are on our National Health Service and its thousands of hard-working staff.

And here at the Gazette we wanted to do our bit to try to give something back to those who help us in our times of need.

They are our guardian angels and are under immense pressure on the frontline fight against the deadly virus.

Earlier this week papers across Newsquest, the publisher of the Gazette and its many sister titles, joined forces to raise money for NHS Charities Together and their urgent Covid-19 appeal.

In just a few days our amazing readers have already donated more than £2,500, which will be used for well-being packs and gifts for frontline NHS staff.

It’ll also cover food deliveries, refreshments, travel costs and anything else which will boost the wellbeing of these essential workers.

Readers have been posting heartfelt messages of support along with making donations, which are coming from all corners of the UK.

Andrew Symonds said: “My daughter is on the front line in this fight against Covid-19 and I wanted to show her and her colleagues how much I appreciate their efforts.”

Gilly Martin said: “Thank you to all of you for your continued hard work and dedicated compassion and kindness, during this time of a national health crisis.”

On Thursday evening, thousands of residents across north Essex and beyond joined together to celebrate those working in hospitals, on ambulances, doctors’ surgeries and care facilities.

The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, brought the public to their doorsteps for a rousing round of applause to show NHS staff how grateful Britain is for their hard work.

Some of the nation’s biggest landmarks, including the Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall lit up blue in tribute.

Locally, Clacton Town Hall, also joined in with the celebrations and turned blue for the occasion.

Colchester resident Caroline Burton and her two children Ella, 13, and Sam, 11, took part in the Clap For Carers campaign.

The family wanted to show their support as uncle Nick Archer is a frontline NHS worker.

Mrs Burton said: “We are so proud of him and all his colleagues working for the NHS during these difficult times.”

Colchester’s MP Will Quince joined in the applause which echoed across the nation at 8pm.

He said: “Thinking of my sister who works as an intensive care nurse in London.

“I can’t imagine the pressure she and so many others in our NHS are currently under.”

Pictures of rainbows have also been appearing in windows across Colchester as people try to stay positive while they are locked in their homes during the coronavirus outbreak.

Many of the rainbows have been drawn or painted by children to show support for the NHS and those working so hard to keep the country safe.

You can get involved and support our campaign by sharing our appeal and telling us why you are thankful for the NHS #ThankYouNHS on social media.

You can also send us a picture of yourself holding up a piece of paper reading #ThankYouNHS some of which we will print in the paper.

You can send it via email to gazette.newsdesk@newsquest.co.uk or you can Tweet us @TheGazette or message us on Facebook by searching Colchester Gazette.

Donate to the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels