MK Dons footballers pitch in to help buy iPads for Milton Keynes hospital

Two iPads have already been donated to Milton Keynes University hospital after MK backed the scheme.

But nurse Leona Harris has been inundated with requests from fellow nurses in hospitals desperate to get hold of iPads so they are able to help patients in case of any new spike in cases and further lockdowns like in Leicester.

MK Dons coach Russell Martin said the club were happy to support the campaign as spikes of coronavirus infection continue across the country and new cases in the city bring Milton Keynes total to 869 since the start of the pandemic

He said: “We wanted to support this initiative as we have all been affected by covid in some way. Many of our friends and family work as key workers or in the NHS. We've all heard distressing stories about people being taken into hospital isolation wards and not being able to see friends and family.

“Simpson Millar solicitors and nurse Leona Harris have been raising money to buy iPads for people while they're in hospital so they can stay connected with friends and family.

We are delighted to announce iPads have been donated to wards at Milton Keynes university hospital.

We really hope this message leads to more support for this campaign and more iPads get donated to help patients struggling through these desperate times.”

BBC1 Breakfast Host Dan Walker and Casualty star Amanda Mealing - who plays fictional TV hospital consultant Connie Beauchamp – along with former Hollyoaks actress Amanda Clapham have also given their backing to the campaign.

Nurse Leona said: "I am very humbled to be involved with this campaign and very grateful for all the support from MK Dons, their fans, the public and other nurses and healthcare staff. If we work together we can get through this.

"I am just one of many health professionals on the frontline but hopefully these will be a massive help to the people of Milton Keynes. The more money we raise the more iPads we can buy.

"I have been inundated with requests for tablets and iPads from nurses on social media. There is still a massive need for these iPads and tablets and they will be a huge help as covid wards remain in place.

"I have seen first hand the effect of patients having no contact with their families Due to infection control. These iPads are like a virtual hug for the patient and the family and gives them a real boost.

"If we can boost patients morale it can aid their recovery and seeing family and friends even if it is just on screen really helps their mental health. Many more hospitals are still looking for help."

The scheme has proved so successful that iPads have already helped thousands of patients to stay in touch with loved ones from isolation wards at hospitals.

Now she is hoping to raise more money to buy and send more iPads to more wards at Milton Keynes University Hospital as well as other Bucks hospitals and hospitals across the UK.

As well as hospitals, Leona and Simpson Millar also plan to branch out and donate tablets to hospices if they have any spare tablets when they reach a further £50, 000 fundraising target online.

Nick Harris partner at Simpson Millar Solicitors whose nurse wife Leona is fronting the campaign added: "The more funds we a raise the more patients and their families we can help which can only be a good thing. If hospitals want an iPad or tablet just contact my wife Leona.”

You can make a donation to the #staytogether campaign here