We’re all aware of the stress and risk that is being placed on NHS and careworkers at present, with the urgent need to respond to so many patients suffering from COVID-19. This crisis continues to bring severe shortages of PPE (personal protection equipment), putting more lives at stake.

Having heard first hand about the efforts of one of Towngate’s close and trusted legal partners, Basharat Ali – we felt it only right that we show support for him and the people he has been working with to help. As president of the The Pakistan Club (www.pakistanclub.org.uk), Basharat and his team launched an appeal to raise £50,000 towards getting PPE equipment to frontline health workers through gofundme; Save Our Heroes – Help the NHS.

The money raised will go towards supplying more PPE for those with low stocks – including masks, goggles, gowns and gloves, to hospitals, care homes and others needing protection. Following an overwhelming response with offers of both help and donations – whether that be money, time or support – Mr Ali, with the backing of a local businessman Zulfi Hussain, collected 13,000 surgical masks and 7,000 respiratory masks to be delivered.

Towngate has had a close working relationship with Bahsarat for many years and so to recognise his remarkable efforts, decided to also dontate £5,000 towards this important and essential cause.