A skincare brand has been inspired by a West Cumberland Hospital nurse to help health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pol Donaldson, who has worked throughout at the hospital, found she was suffering from skin problems and was sent some of the Skin Salvation ointment from Balmonds by her friend Sophie Baudrand-Venables, an operations director originally from Cumbria.

Sophie said: “I found out about Skin Salvation, sent some to Pol and it was the only thing that worked on her constant skin sores.

"I continued to keep her in a supply of Skin Salvation then wrote to Balmonds and said ‘this is what’s going on’ and asked them to consider turning it into an official scheme, which they did.

"I just wish more healthcare workers knew about it.”

After hearing of how the product had helped Pol, Balmonds is encouraging people to 'Pay It Forward' to NHS heroes and donate £2.50 to allow a 60ml pot of the ointment to be donated to healthcare trusts across the UK.

The product would usually sell for £12.99.

Lucy Gulland, communities manager at Balmonds, says “We were absolutely shocked to discover the huge numbers of healthcare workers who are suffering from eczema, dry skin, pressure sores from masks, and cracked, over-washed hands.

"Although lockdown is lifting, our NHS heroes are still having to wear masks and PPE and carry out their duties in incredibly difficult circumstances, the results of which are showing on their stressed skin.

"We’ve had some incredible feedback from nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers.”