We’ve all seen news reports about the tremendous extra burden COVD-19 has been placing on the shoulders of our NHS workers. But it wasn’t until I spent time in the Ceredig Ward at Bronglais Hospital in December — following a cycling accident when I broke my leg — that I experienced first-hand just what the hospital staff were going through. 

For example, I learned that all new admissions have been treated as if they had COVID-19. So those providing care must always be in uncomfortable PPE, making their job even harder. Nurses and staff who haven’t contracted this deadly virus must work even harder than usual during their long, sometimes 12 hour, shifts to compensate for the staff who have been affected. The physical and emotional stress that they endure is relentless. And while vaccinations have begun, the end to this nightmare is still not in sight for the hospital staff.

In talking with the people who took such wonderful care of me, I learned that one of the things that helps to revive their spirits is their next coffee break. Pre-pandemic, getting a fresh coffee would have meant walking across the hospital to the canteen taking a precious 10 minutes of their break. Now? To prevent circulation of staff between wards they are limited to instant coffee in their ward staff room. That’s where I got the idea to purchase a coffee machine, so they could have fresh coffee in their break. 

Unfortunately, a reliable coffee machine to cater for the volume required costs more than I can afford. But if everyone who reads this were to contribute even a small amount, I’m quite certain we could purchase a coffee machine — kindly offered by its manufacturer at cost. 

Many of us have been looking for ways show our appreciation for the nursing staff during these difficult times. A fresh coffee in their break would give the nurses a much-needed boost, and would demonstrate our desire to support them during this pandemic … and in the coming years. 

Please contribute! Every pound will help us to reach this goal !