ONE million pounds has been donated to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Former Russian banker Andrey Borodin and model/designer Tatiana Korsakova made the 'overwhelmingly kind and generous' donation to the Royal Berks Charity to support the 'brave and selfless NHS staff' throughout the pandemic.

In a statement from the hospital trust, it said the £1,000,000 windfall will go towards creating a welfare centre for NHS staff at the hospital as they face 'immense pressure' on the frontline fighting Covid-19.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Steve McManus said: "This is an incredible donation at a very challenging time, and we are extremely grateful to Andrey and Tatiana for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

"The wellbeing and welfare of our staff is paramount in our efforts to care for our patients, and never more so than now, as they work under the immense pressure the COVID-19 pandemic is causing on the NHS."

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So far, 827 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Berkshire according to Public Health England figures up to 9am yesterday.

NHS England reports the number of people who have died in hospital having tested positive for coronavirus under Berkshire trusts is 318 - 37 patients at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust explained that 'incredible donation' from the local couple will support staff through this difficult time, and the centre will cater to the wellbeing of the 5,500 staff and volunteers at the trust.

The money will allow the hospital to build a 'calm and restorative' facility for staff to rest, relax and access service to keep them well, healthy and motivated. This will include holistic therapies, exercise classes, and psychological support.

Mr McManus added: "We are currently providing additional staff welfare support during the coronavirus outbreak, and are thrilled that this vital work will be able to continue and have longevity through this donation.

"I cannot thank the family enough for their support.”

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Mr Borodin, who is a former president for the Bank of Moscow, and his wife Tatiana Korsakova, who owns fashion brand Vaara, said that living locally they understand the impact that Covid-19 is having on the local community and the additional strain placed on NHS workers.

The pair, who live in Henley and have children who go to school in Berkshire, added: "We sincerely thank the brave and selfless NHS workers for their hard work and commitment.

"We understand that there are thousands of NHS workers in our local community who go above and beyond in their patient care, and at this time more than ever.

"We deeply appreciate their dedication and hope that this donation will contribute in a way which helps and supports them both now and in to the future.”