BUSINESSES and individuals have pulled together in a time of crisis to support members of the NHS.

Charlotte Millis, owner of CM Home Fragrances, from Barrow, raised £1,125 after organising a raffle.

The money was put towards food and drink for NHS workers which were distributed amongst ward staff at Furness General Hospital.

Barrow dance school Dance Fusion donated £300 towards the cause.

Miss Millis said: “I got admitted to hospital the week before the lockdown officially started and by being there it made it so apparent to me how much the staff put their lives at risk by simply being in work.

“As I was waiting for a bed they said they did have one but would rather keep me where I was because there was ‘lots of poorly people in that area’ and it hit home how crazy it was to be in the hospital at that time.”

Miss Mills messaged her friend, a nurse at Furness General Hospital, to ask what they would appreciate.

It was noted that drinks, such as water and cordial were needed.

It was made apparent by Miss Mills by another nurse that they can’t use fans in the hospital at the moment due to the spread of the virus.

She said: “I knew my customers would get behind the fundraiser 100% but I was completely blown away with the response.

“I’m just so glad we were able to help in the smallest way- to say thank-you.”

Barrow’s Pizza Hut staff boxed up and donated the food to NHS staff before the store closed.

Posting to Facebook, the company said: “Take a look at all of the pizza our incredible Barrow Hut team donated to NHS workers before closing.

“We’re so proud of all of our amazing employees.”

Plans are underway to make a food supply centre for NHS workers to collect parcels at Barrow Cricket Club, which is hoped to launch on Friday.

The project is being run in conjunction with Ulverston company Cater Kwik and the club, who have already set up a marquee to store them.

Caterite, Pioneer, Birchalls and local food suppliers will be supplying food, which has been arranged by Len Irvine, who works on product for Orian Solutions in his day job.

He said: “The boxes will hold essential supplies, and we are starting off with dried goods and hopefully we will be including fresh produce by next week."