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Bid to raise £30,000 for Black Country health workers monument

A campaign has been launched to raise £30,000 for a monument to health workers in the Black Country.

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A design for the monument, by local artist Steve Field

Councillors in Dudley want a monument at Russells Hall hospital to honour the efforts of NHS staff, carers and other key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Donations are already flooding in, with construction firm Interserve handing over £5,000 and Dudley College giving £500.

Organisers are hoping to get local businesses, football clubs and universities involved in funding the project, as well as members of the public.

The project was the brainchild of Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillor Keiran Casey. He said it was great to see that the fundraising campaign was now up and running.

"I am delighted that Interserve has offered this wonderful donation to help us fulfil our ambition of raising a permanent monument outside the hospital which would act as a lasting reminder to us all of the bravery and hard work of NHS, healthcare and key workers during this crisis," said Cllr Casey.

"Hospitals, care homes and key workers have played an unbelievably important role in treating our loved ones, keeping them safe and looked after and the country running during this difficult time.

"We all owe more than words can say to those right on the frontline in the fight against this virus.

Reminder

"We think this monument would be a fantastic way to publicly recognise the work of all workers across Dudley and would be a lasting reminder to all."

Interserve provides facilities management services to 11 hospitals and six healthcare centres, and built the Nightingale field hospital at Birmingham's NEC.

Lynn Mawdsley, managing director for Interserve’s support services division, said: "We are delighted to recognise the outstanding role undertaken by key workers and NHS colleagues across the country and to support Councillor Keiran Casey’s idea of constructing a memorial at Russells Hall Hospital.

"We have been proud and humbled to support the NHS team and their incredible efforts to combat the dreadful Covid-19 virus."

Dudley Council is also considering giving health workers the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic.