Published by Sarah Yeoman at 6:10am 8th June 2020. (Updated at 10:20am 8th June 2020)

An appeal which is helping people across Cornwall during the coronavirus pandemic has passed its £1m milestone.

The Cornwall Emergency Appeal, set up by Cornish charity Cornwall Community Foundation, is raising funds to support people in the Duchy and the Isles of Scilly whose lives and businesses have taken a catastrophic hit.

140 grants have already been awarded to community projects to provide a lifeline for those in desperate need during the pandemic.

“The generosity and response of our community to this crisis has been extraordinary. This remarkable milestone is the clearest example yet of what our community is able to do when we come together.

"It also shows how the Cornish community extends way beyond the Tamar with more than 60% of private donations coming from people who live outside the county.”

Jane Hartley, Chairman of the Foundation

In addition to private donations from people who want to support Cornwall, the £1.2 raised so far also includes £338,000 from the National Emergencies Trust, the national disaster charity running a nationwide coronavirus appeal, and £100,000 each from The Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund and Cornwall Council which we are so grateful for.

"While reaching this milestone is really good news, there are still thousands of people in Cornwall really struggling with their day to day living.

"Research we have undertaken showed that 70% of frontline community groups expect to be delivering services directly related to the Coronavirus crisis for 12 months or more.”

Tamas Haydu, Cornwall Community Foundation’s Chief Executive

Alongside the continuing need to help vulnerable people meet day to day needs, Cornwall Community Foundation will also be focusing its grant-making on reinvigorating community networks and services.

“People feel isolated, lonely and uncertain. The journey back to normality will be a challenge for many and will take longer than we think.

"We have set a £2 million fundraising target for the Cornwall Emergency Appeal as that will enable us to continue to meet basic crisis needs related to hunger, shelter and immediate welfare but also support people back on their feet over the next twelve months and beyond.”

Tamas Haydu, Cornwall Community Foundation’s Chief Executive

To donate to the Cornwall Emergency Appeal or, if you are a community group, to apply for funding, please visit the website.