The Prince of Wales has sent a message of support to the people of India, who are in the midst of one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world and launched an appeal to raise funds for the hard-hit country.
Prince Charles’s message, released by Clarence House, reads: “For well over a year the pandemic has had a devastating impact on so many of us around the world. This week, I have been deeply saddened by the tragic images we have all seen as Covid-19 takes its horrific toll in India.
“Like many others, I have a great love for India and have enjoyed many wonderful visits to the country. Indian aid and ingenuity has been a support to other countries through this immensely difficult time. As India has helped others, so now must we help India.
“With support from the Indian diaspora, the British Asian Trust has launched an Emergency Appeal for India to channel this desire to do something about this terrible situation and help save lives. Many members of the diaspora, and others including businesses, trusts and foundations, have already come together behind this appeal. I do hope that even more of us might be able to provide support to help those in India in their time of need.
“If I may, I would also want those suffering the effects of this pandemic in India to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Together, we will win this battle.”
The British Asian Trust’s Appeal is called ‘Oxygen for India’ and will aim to raise money for oxygen concentrators and work with local partners to have them rapidly deployed to hospitals and patients. Oxygen concentrators continually recycle oxygen in the air and deliver it to the patient, which is an alternative to an oxygen cylinder, which only contains a finite amount of oxygen.
According to Clarence House, the British Asian Trust has consulted with both the Indian and UK governments, as well as advisors and programme partners, to create a fund that supports the work already being done in India.
There are over 17 million cases of COVID-19 in India. Prince Charles most recently visited the country in November 2019.
