Song inspired by nurses’ work during pandemic will raise funds for staff support

Working on the Frontline features in charity album in aid of RCN Foundation’s COVID-19 support fund

A song inspired by images of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic will help raise funds for nurses in need.

Working on the Frontline is the first single from the charity album Song Club, the proceeds of which will go to the RCN Foundation’s COVID-19 support fund.

Album inspired by images of front-line healthcare workers

The song is performed by actor and singer Jessie Buckley and her band Jessie and The Leonards and is one of 20 on the album created by artists inspired by the work of nurses during the crisis.

Lyricist Chris Difford, who curated Song Club, took inspiration from pictures taken by Imperial College NHS Trust paediatric matron Hannah Grace Deller documenting her experience of working during the pandemic.

‘Together we have created a body of work to raise funds for the front-line workers. It has been so inspiring to hear the results,’ he said.

• RELATED: COVID-19: artist paints portraits of front-line nurses

Ms Deller said she hoped the efforts and sacrifices made by nurses and healthcare workers were conveyed in the album.

‘For me this record is a thank you to all my colleagues on the front line, from the porters and domestics to the doctors and nurses. I’ll never forget how we all stood side by side fighting this illness together,’ she said.

Funds raised will go towards hardship and psychological support

RCN Foundation director Deepa Korea said the charity was grateful to all those involved in the album, and that contributions would make a difference to front-line workers.

‘Support from the project will not only help those individuals experiencing personal hardship as a result of COVID-19, but will also help to address the psychological implications associated with working on the front line at this difficult time,’ she said.

• RELATED: Thousands of NHS workers turn to COVID-19 mental health helpline

The fund has helped nurses forced to self-isolate to pay their rent, stepped in to support healthcare workers with vehicle repairs to enable them to continue their work and aided UK nurses stranded overseas due to travel restrictions. 

Song Club will be released on 23 October.

Find out more

• Hannah Grace Deller photography
• Pre-order Song Club
• RCN Foundation COVID-19 support fund
• Working on the Frontline

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