Sir Alex Ferguson praises NHS as Manchester United announce plans to help health service

Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on the NHS as Manchester United announced a series of measures to help out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Legendary United manager Ferguson required life-saving brain surgery when suffering a haemorrhage two years ago.

And he took the opportunity to highlight the work being carried out by the health service at a time when it is being stretched to the limit by Covid-19.

He said: "I’m delighted we are now recognising the importance of our NHS – as I experienced two years ago after they saved my life – the response to this pandemic has been magnificent and has made me proud of the way the club and the British people have rallied round to help. Well Done.”

United have now announced a series of aid measures to support the health service during the crisis, including donations to local hospitals, as well as making vehicles available.

Staff have also been encouraged to volunteer for the NHS and their local communities while football is on hold as a result of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Old Trafford has also been placed on a reserve list as a temporary blood donation centre, while United have made it clear they are open to further requests from the NHS to use facilities at the stadium.

Announcing the wide-ranging measures on Thursday, United revealed their Foundation vehicles visited Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and the NHS Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, with over 3,500 Manchester United gifts for staff.

The fleet of 16 vehicles has now been put on standby with volunteer drivers available to support NHS courier operations in the area.

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Medical equipment and consumables have been also to the Salford Royal, including protective equipment, dressings and other club supplies.

That’s in addition to coaches continuing to work with the children of key workers.

Other measures include offering NHS workers staying at Hotel Football free car parking for as long as it is required.

This week United also delivered 30,000 items of food and drink food banks, hospitals and local charitable organisations.

John Shiels, Chief Executive for Manchester United Foundation, said: “The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the local community; we continue to adapt and diversify at this most challenging time to enable our workforce to assist those who need it most.

(Getty Images)

“Where possible our coaches continue to support partner schools that remain open to children of key support workers and those who are vulnerable. We have also worked tirelessly with the Club to ensure the delivery of food donations. I am incredibly proud of how united our workforce is; the number of staff volunteers wanting to support this initiative has been overwhelming.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: "The NHS staff and the volunteers fighting the virus are putting themselves at risk to keep everybody safe and doing a truly amazing job. They deserve thanks and praise from everybody for their work and their efforts every single day.”

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