A builder has launched a fundraiser to buy tablets for isolated patients after his NHS friends told of the heartbreak of watching them spend their final moments unable to see loved ones.

Dayle Bulley, from Margate, says after having to postpone his own work, he wanted to find a way to help during the crisis and turned to those working on the frontline to see what he could do.

"Like many other people I have spare time on my hands and felt redundant only being able to help by staying at home," he said.

"I've many close friends and family who are working on the frontline in dealing with Covid-19 and I spoke with them about the many difficulties that they're facing at the moment.

"They explicitly said that by far the hardest thing they're having to deal with is seeing their patients either facing some of the most difficult times alone or worse spending their final moments with only the company of dedicated staff, with very little time on their hands, rather than their loved ones.

"Sadly this applies to patients who are suffering with things other than Covid 19, as their visiting is greatly restricted due to the outbreak.

"We discussed this at length and it seemed that providing iPads or tablets could really improve patients' morale and go some way to helping them stay connected with their families and in turn, minimise the worries for care staff."

The 28-year-old, who owns Finesses Finishings in Margate, aims to get enough money for 60 tablets - 30 for the QEQM Hospital in Margate and 30 for care homes in the area, although he hopes to be able to provide more if he can raise enough money.

He said: "Although the comfort of a family member's physical presence is irreplaceable, being able to virtually communicate with their loved ones could make a world of difference for patients in their time of need.

"It could be the difference for some families getting to say their final goodbyes for themselves, rather than having to have that message translated to them, which you can imagine is heartbreaking for both staff and families.

"I can only imagine that such circumstances exacerbates the grieving process for relatives and leaves a lasting impact on care staff.

"I hope that being able to offer a form of communication will ease this process for all.

"The aim is that no one should suffer alone. We're all in this together."

To donate to the fundraiser click here.

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