A number of Christian charities have come together to raise money to buy personal protective equipment for key workers in communities.  

Ascension Trust is leading efforts with Churches Together Britain and Ireland, Christ Hospital Ministry and Through the Roof among those also taking part in the "Standing Together Community Appeal".

Dr Joan Myers, OBE, a Royal College of Nursing Council member told Premier as a nurse it's difficult to hear what some healthcare workers are going through. 

"I hear from nurses that say they haven't got the support," she said. 

"They haven't got the right equipment and they're living in fear that not only would they get it [coronavirus], but there's a possibility they can bring it back home to their family members and it's very frightening for them. 

"They talk about gearing themselves up to come to work, knowing there's a possibility they might not have the right equipment, so that's why we wanted to do something."

She said they hope to raise at least £7,000 in order for the first order of PPE to go to those who work directly with people in social care, community care, residential care and charitable settings. 

Money raised will also be used to practically support frontline staff who've suffered loss during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Dr Myers encouraged Christians to be fervent in prayer for those on the frontline of the crisis.

"I'm in prayer meetings practically every single night praying that God will protect, watch over, and keep them. 

"And if we could pray that God will strengthen the nurses, give them the resilience that they need because they're human beings as well.

"We came into nursing to care for patients, but we didn't expect it to be like this. So it's quite petrifying as well, [so pray] that God will comfort and strengthen them and let them just utilize their skills."

Click here to find out how to donate. 

Listen to Premier's interview with Dr Myers here: