The Trust which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals has revealed how their share of the money raised by Captain Tom Moore will be spent to help its NHS staff, including the many who live on the peninsula.

The East Suffolk North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which also runs community hospitals in our area, detailed how they plan to spend the £105,000 they have received so far.

The money comes via the NHS Charities Together, after Cpt Tom raised almost £33million by his 100th birthday for walking 100 laps of his garden during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Plans put together by the Ipswich and Colchester hospitals include providing an outdoor oasis outdoor and indoor spaces for staff to have areas to relax away from wards and departments.

They also plan to use the funds to train more mental heath first aiders and have more psychological support for staff across the organisation.

The windfall will also go towards providing physical support such as complementary therapies and providing financial support for bereavement or hardship.

Mandy Jordan, associate director of the ESNEFT Charities and Voluntary Services told Nub news: "I am pleased to confirm that to date we have received £105,000 from NHS Charities Together.

"We will be using the monies plus any further monies received in three phases.

Phase 2 – to support the earlier discharge or community care of patients

Link here for more information and how to donate to the NHS Charities and Joan's challenge.