An emergency coronavirus appeal has been launched by the charity Ruils, urging the public to help fund its work supporting those in need across Richmond.

The appeal was set up to fill the funding gap that many small charities are now facing, due the cancellation of many fundraising events this summer.

Monies raised will help fund the charity's work supporting the many vulnerable and isolated people in the borough, for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ruils chief executive Cathy Maker said: "During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ruils has been inundated with requests for support from vulnerable local people.

"We are proud that we haven't turned anyone away, and that our fantastic army of volunteers has enabled us to deliver more than 1,000 food parcels and make over 1,500 phone calls to isolated people.

"However, it is becoming clear that the changes to our lives will last for much longer than 12 weeks.

"We want to continue to be there for the people who need us, and we urgently need your help.

"Please donate today at www.ruils.co.uk/donate."

Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, over 100 volunteers from across the borough have stepped forward to help Ruils to provide vital services to families and individuals.

These have included shopping, collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries and lending a friendly ear through its telephone befriending service.

Supporters of the charity have also provided much needed donations during this time.

Ruils is based in South West London and supports children and adults with disabilities in and the elderly to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full.

It provides information, advice, befriending and activities to its clients and their families.