Fundraiser launched for Dudley Covid heroes monument
A public fundraiser has been launched to raise cash for a permanent monument to key workers in recognition of their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillors in Dudley are aiming to raise £30,000 for the Russells Hall Rainbow, a stunning sculpture set to be located outside the hospital of the same name.
They say it will serve as a permanent reminder of how local heroes stepped up to the plate during the crisis.
So far thousands of pounds have been raised through donations from local businesses and organisations including Interserve, National Express, Western Power, the University of Wolverhampton, South Staffs Water, the University of Birmingham, Dudley College, Tipton and Coseley Building Society and Stonewater Housing Association.
But more is needed to get the project over the line, and a JustGiving page has today been launched to enable members of the public to contribute to the cause.
Councillor Keiran Casey, who launched the project, said: “It’s great we’re now able to launch this public fundraising page and I hope local residents will want to donate and get involved with this really important community project.
“For me, this is about having something outside our main hospital in Dudley that will remain there forever and something we can use to show our appreciation and give thanks for everything that has been done for us during the past few months – which have been extremely difficult times.
“We owe so much more to those on the front line of this fight than words or sculptures can ever say, from those in our amazing NHS, in local care homes looking after family members and friends, people providing help and support right across Dudley to some of the most vulnerable residents, including health and wellbeing support for children, to all those community heroes that have been delivering food parcels to those isolating and just being there for help and support.
“This sculpture will recognise all the work that has been done by so many, not only in the past few months, but for the tireless work they will continue to do long in to the future, something we must never forget or ever take for granted.”
Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The rainbow sculpture is a beautiful idea which will remind our staff of the tremendous support shown to them by our community throughout the pandemic.
“We have been so touched by the generosity of individuals and businesses who have donated everything from food and care kits to scrubs and visors, not to mention all the fundraising they have done.
“I have been so proud of how our staff responded to the challenge of Covid-19 and this will be a fitting tribute to their dedication and skill, and the link between the trust and the people we care for.”
The monument has been designed by local artist Steve Field and features a glass rainbow, representing the iconic symbol of hope displayed in windows all over the country during the pandemic.
The launch follows the council’s decision to award the Freedom of the Borough to residents who have been on the frontline in the fight against the virus.
Visit justgiving.com/campaign/RussellsHallRainbow to donate.
