Express & Star

Teacher holds huge Facebook Live raffle to raise £1,500 to help NHS frontline workers

A teacher from Sedgley has raised more than £1,500 to buy supplies for frontline workers by hosting raffles on Facebook Live.

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Lucy, her partner Shane and friend Lesley Anne taking their donations to staff on Ward C5 at Russell's Hall Hospital

Lucy Morris, aged 31, has hosted eight raffles online using her Facebook page to sell virtual tickets.

Prizes have included afternoon tea, vouchers, Prosecco, manicures and even toilet roll.

Nurses from Island Court care home in Coseley with a care package

Lucy said: "As a teacher I’m not used to sitting back and letting things happen. I wanted to be proactive and do something to help.

"I’m overwhelmed by how much interest we’ve had, we've now done eight raffles and the latest one is by far the biggest.

"So many amazing local businesses have donated such fantastic prizes and we're going to hit £1,500 at least!"

Lucy has used the money raised to create care packages which have been donated to frontline key workers at a number of care homes, Russells Hall Hospital, Sandwell Hospital, paramedics and Dudley ambulance base.

Steven Aston, who works at Sandwell Hospital, with one of Lucy's care packages

These include protective face shields, gloves, hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial soap, hand cream and some treats to put a smile on worker's faces.

Commenting on the reaction the appeal has seen online, Lucy added: "Everyone’s been brilliant, from my partner Shane helping carry heavy boxes, my friend Lesley Ann helping promote and my friend Stacy has been amazing at getting prizes together.

"Even my neighbours have been helping pack all the stuff on the front lawn - adhering to social distancing rules.

"Everyone has just been so grateful. It’s tough times for everyone at the moment. To be able to help even a little bit is fantastic."