Seamus Coleman has personally thanked the “heroes” working to contain and treat coronavirus in his Irish homeland.
Everton captain Coleman this week made a significant donation to Feed the Heroes, a volunteer group raising funds to deliver food to healthcare staff working round the clock to fight Covid-19.
The 31-year-old, who also wears the armband for his country, implored people to follow government directions to remain indoors to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Coleman was alerted to Feed the Heroes by former international teammate Keith Andrews. The campaign, launched nine days ago, has raised more than €300,000.
“I am so proud of all our frontline workers and want to say thank you on behalf of myself, my family and everyone in Ireland,” said Coleman.
“They are being so brave helping sick people.
“We are a very proud nation, we stick together and work hard for each other.
“It is a tough time for all of us but we will get through this: stay positive and keep fighting.”
💙 | A message from our captain Seamus Coleman for the health workers on the frontline and the people of Ireland.
— Everton (@Everton) March 24, 2020
Stay at home, stay safe and support others if you can. #BlueFamily
➡️ https://t.co/ZIL4dOiTgw pic.twitter.com/35eiYEtrP9
The UK Government introduced stricter measures designed to combat the spread of coronavirus on Monday.
Instructions mirrored across the globe ordered people to remain indoors other than for a very limited set of reasons such as shopping for essential items.
“Listen to the guidelines and do what we can to get this virus away as quickly as we can,” added Coleman.
“If that is staying indoors, something we don’t like to do and don’t want to do, it is a small price to pay.
“Elderly people are being more affected by it [to date], so I’d like to speak to the younger people: stay indoors and do what’s right. I want us all to stick together.”
Everton and official charity Everton in the Community launched their ‘Blue Family’ campaign last week to maintain contact with fans and provide support and assistance to the most vulnerable, socially isolated and ‘at risk’ members of society across Liverpool – and beyond – in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
DONATE TO THE BLUE FAMILY CAMPAIGN AND FIND OUT MORE BY CLICKING HERE
Blue Family has also seen the Club and charity introduce a referral form enabling fans and the wider public to refer people they believe might need a friendly voice to speak to at this difficult time.
