We C U 2020

Back in March, as things unfolded across the world, I decided to set up an appeal - We C U 2020 - to collect and distribute beauty products for NHS workers. The idea behind the appeal is to show our NHS heroes that we are thankful, we are grateful, we support them and we see them! So I asked a few NHS workers I know what they needed. Pretty soon, it was obvious – hand cream for broken, over-washed skin, balm for chapped lips, face masks for skin marked by goggles, body lotion for limbs dehydrated under PPE, was essential. As an ex-beauty editor, I knew I had the contacts to help. So, I started emailing. In one day over 20,000 products were pledged. Day two saw 50,000… then 80,000 products… I’ve now had 300,000 products donated and distributed nearly 20,000 goody bags to over 200 hospitals. And it’s not just practical help for NHS workers on the frontline who don’t have time to go home. Or to the shops. It’s also about lifting spirits in the process. You see beauty isn’t just about pretty colours. I know how a beauty product can actually lift your mental state. As you inhale a face cream it can give you a moment of mindfulness. A moment away from the madness. And I wanted to show every nurse, doctor, cleaner, administrator on the frontline that we are thinking of them whilst they are exhausted, missing family and under tremendous strain. We have had over 100 amazing brands all donating and supporting the cause – Burt's Bees, Palmer’s Body, Elizabeth Arden, Cetraban, John Frieda, Bulldog, HASK, Mitchum, L’Occitane, Tan Luxe, Elemis, Dove, Ren, Dermalogica, EOS, Molten Brown, Schwarzkopf, Right Guard, Nip +Fab... and many more. But, now we need YOUR help! We want to get even more goody bags and essential boxes to many more hospitals, hospices and care homes too. We have also delivered over 60,000 individual products specifically requested by certain wards - such as 300 hand creams, 3000 lip balms, 1250 body moisturisers, 250 face mask, 300 shampoos. We want to continue to fulfil requests when we can. Your donations will go to the running costs of the appeal, from the bags to the boxes we use to deliver. It will cover all delivery expenses such as vans, drivers and petrol. It will also cover any warehouse costs. If you would like to help our appeal reach as many people as possible - please donate. Spread a smile, spread positivity, spread the beauty (products)! Stay safe, stay strong. Thank you so much. Lauren