NORTH Worcestershire Rotary club members have helped raise £15, 670 to send nine oxygen generators to India.

The funds for the generators, which will help care for patients with Covid, were raised by 40 rotary clubs across the Heart of England district which includes clubs from Worcestershire and West Midlands.

The clubs have worked with two UK charities, We Care UK and Khalsa Aid, to despatch the first nine oxygen concentrators.

Assistant district governor Amal Rampal, and member of Bromsgrove's Rotary Club said: “We cannot help but remember the time when the NHS was struggling to deal with Covid-19 cases and now are alarmed that the situation is so much worse in India where people are dying because of lack of Oxygen.

“We see the horrific news broadcast daily from India regarding the rise of Covid 19 cases. Up to 25th May 27 million cases and 307,000 deaths have been reported and that number continues to grow at an alarming rate. As is the case in every country, the poorest, most vulnerable members of society suffer most.

“We in the UK know the devastating effects Covid has had on our society but now, thanks to the vaccination programme, we are beginning to defeat this terrible virus. We are now in a position to be outward looking and to offer support to our international neighbours”.

“The Rotary Clubs, in the Heart of England have sprung into action to support the food banks in the local communities and now, being an International organisation, we recognise the need to support the poor and the needy in India who are in desperate need. Rotarians have donated generously, to support the India Oxygen Appeal.”

Many hospitals in India are suffering from a shortage of oxygen supplies as coronavirus cases in the country surge.

Heart of England Rotary District treasurer Robert Rainbow said: “We have been totally overwhelmed with the amount of support this appeal has received from both Rotary Clubs, as well as individuals, across the district. This really is a phenomenal effort in what have been very difficult times. It is truly inspiring and highlights the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self”