A CAMPAIGN which has delivered thousands of goody bags containing health and beauty products to NHS workers has been launched in Greater Manchester.

WE C U 2020 was founded by ex-beauty editor Lauren Ezekiel after she discovered the heavy toll PPE and repeated washing and scrubbing was having on the skin of NHS staff ­— causing painful blotches, sores and peeling skin.

It is now appealing for people in Bury and beyond to lend a hand to support our NHS heroes.

Ms Ezekiel said: “NHS workers are the people that look after us; we need to show them we care about and value them.”

“They are exhausted, missing family and under tremendous strain,” she added.

To help give back to the NHS Ms Ezekiel reached out to her contacts in the beauty industry to appeal for donations.

The campaign proved a huge success and has been backed by big name brands Dermalogica, Burt’s Bees, Molten Brown and Nip +Fab.

Bury Times:

These products were then packed into good bags by Ms Ezekiel ready to be handed out to NHS staff.

So far Ms Ezekiel and her team have delivered nearly 20,000 goody bags to more than 200 hospitals, care homes and community teams.

Their campaign has received almost 300,000 donated items from some 150 brands.

This week WE C U 2020 launched in Greater Manchester where it will be headed up by Ms Ezekiel’s uncle, Derek Ezekiel.

He said: “My niece Lauren’s fantastic idea, WE C U 2020, has really taken off in London and we are really pleased to be launching it in Manchester. The response from the NHS staff and carers has been overwhelming and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to those who have been working so hard to keep us all safe.”

Bury Times:

Over the coming weeks, WE C U 2020’s Greater Manchester team will be packing and delivering goody bags to hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and other frontline services.

NHS staff are also being encouraged to get in touch with the campaign to request goody bags.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can make a donation via its Just Giving page to help with running costs.

Former Bury South MP, Ivan Lewis has also joined the initiative as team leader for Greater Manchester.

He said: “Frontline NHS, Care and other essential services staff are risking their lives to save lives and ensure vulnerable people have dignity at this difficult time.

“We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude and hope our small token of appreciation will show them how much they are valued by the people of Greater Manchester.

Bury Times:

“If you have a company which can donate cosmetics or want to nominate a team of care workers to receive these gifts please contact us.”

To contact the campaign or request a goody bag email wecu20@gmail.com.

To make a donation visit uk.gofundme.com/f/we-c-u-2020-manchester.