Loyal M&S customers in Milton Keynes raise more than £15,000 for NHS charities during lockdown

The customers bought M&S’s 'All in This Together' tee-shirts and the limited edition NHS bags for life as well as taking part in the store's Rainbow sale, where 10 per cent of each purchase was donated to NHS Charities Together.

All this raised an impressive £15,781, which is charted in a special in-store rainbow display.

Customers can continue to get involved in lots of ways, including selecting NHS Charities Together as their Sparks charity under M&S’s loyalty scheme. This means M&S donates on their behalf every time they shop in any store or online.

Store manager Laura Arnold said: “The past few months have been challenging for all of us, but one thing that’s been amazing is seeing people rally together.

"We’re very proud that our community has already helped raise £15,781 for a really important cause that will provide vital support to NHS staff, volunteers, and patients.

"Clothes shopping is different now and as customers are coming back and starting to shop with confidence it’s really lovely that the first thing they’ll see when they enter our store is a display that shows the generosity and kindness of the local community.”

Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: ““I can’t thank M&S customers enough, the money you have raised is making a huge difference for the NHS staff and volunteers who have been there for all of us during the Covid crisis."

M&S Milton Keynes will be taking part in the one-off Clap for Carers this Sunday to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the NHS

Ellie said: "I’d urge all of you to come together with friends, family and neighbours for a moment of thanks on July 5, so we can show appreciation for everyone who has been there for others over the last few challenging months.”