Stars join forces in online show to fund PPE for NHS staff

Hollywood star James McAvoy, Outlander’s Sam Heughan and Line of Duty actor Martin Compston are among a whole host of celebrities set to come together to raise money for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers.

Broadcaster Edith Bowman created the For The Love Of Scotland event to help raise funds for the Masks for Scotland initiative.

The night of music, literature and poetry will be live-streamed on Wednesday, April 22 between 6pm and 9pm on the Gigs in Scotland Facebook and YouTube pages.

The online event will feature author Ian Rankin, actors Jack Lowden, Richard Rankin, Peter Capaldi, Peter Mullan and Ncuti Gatwa, and broadcaster Jean Johansson.

KT Tunstall, Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry and Twin Atlantic’s Sam McTrusty will also perform.

Bowman said: “I wanted to create an event that had a purpose, was a way of saying thank you to all those selfless people putting themselves in danger to help others and celebrate this extraordinary community spirit that we are seeing.

“For the Love Of Scotland will be three hours of people coming together through music, prose, comedy, conversation and thanks, featuring both plenty of well-known faces and members of the public.

“I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to all the people who are helping us out and giving up their time. Now we just have to do it.”

The crowdfunder will use 100% of money raised to help staff working on the frontline to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, including in intensive care units, GPs, community nurses and ambulance staff.

Professor Jill Belch launched the campaign last Friday – with support from Scottish actors Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Laura Fraser and Joanna Vanderham – and so far it has raised £65,000.

She said: “The medical teams who protect us must be protected too. We know that the bigger the viral load, the worse the disease.

“Day in, day out, these teams are exposed to very high viral loads.

“We must help save their lives, the lives of their families and their patients by providing correct PPE.

“This fundraiser will save lives – thank-you so very much to all who donate.”

To donate, go here.