Leeds law firm teams up with nurse to help sick patients in Pinderfields reconnect with loved ones

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, Hollyoaks actress Amanda Clapham and popstar Ariana Grande were keen to give their backing to the scheme online - which has already helped dozens of patients in the hospital keep in touch with relatives.

Casualty star Amanda Mealing - who plays fictional consultant Connie Beauchamp - has also recorded a heartfelt video backing the campaign.

Leona Harris started the #staytogether campaign after witnessing distressing scenes in isolation wards where patients are cut off from friends and family. She has witnessed the heartache first hand as patients have been unable to speak with family and tragically some have died without any contact.

She wanted to use technology to get sick Wakefield patients back in touch with relatives and came up with the idea of buying iPads.

Leona joined forces with Simpson Millar solicitors and raised more than £75,000. She now wants to raise a further £50,000 in case of a second wave or any local lockdowns.

Leona said: “I am very humbled to be involved with this campaign and very grateful for all the support from the celebrities, the public and other nurses and healthcare staff. I am just one of many health professionals on the frontline but hopefully these will be a massive help to the people of Wakefield.”

To make a donation to the #staytogether campaign go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/staytogether.