On the 15th June, creators behind a podcast will be hosting a live event of their show to raise money for the NHS.
Two students from Canterbury Christchurch University Del Tevfik and Ed Robinson along with Ed’s brother Will, decided to create the sports podcast, Boots Off TV, in a bid to bring some positivity during the lockdown.
The group’s main focus is around the latest news in football, talking about how Covid-19 has affected the game as well as feel-good stories. They also write articles about the sport.
However, the trio wanted to do more with their platform and thus created their #CHAT4NHS fundraiser.
Del Tevfik, one of the creators, said that the motivation behind starting off Boots Off TV is to bring “something positive in a time where there are so many negative things going on.”
He added: “I have been passionate about football since I was a kid and when lockdown came, that was taken away. We wanted to bring some normality during the lockdown.
“The Chat 4 NHS is all about bringing people together and we believe that is what football does. We didn’t want to be sat here enjoying ourselves and not contributing especially because we have friends in the NHS.”
People will be able to donate to their GoFundMe page before and during the event.
Ed Robinson, co-creator of Boots Off TV and article writer, said they have currently raised £60 of their target of £300.
He explained: “If we could beat our target that would be marvellous.
“Even if they can’t donate, they can share the vid. Every little bit goes a long way. Channels can collaborate with us as well. It isn’t about us, it’s about everyone raising money for the NHS.”
The live event will have several guests from both major and minor football leagues as well as other sports. Those that share their video about #CHAT4NHS could also be in a chance of joining the live show for a segment.
However, this is only just the start. Del and Ed are budding with ideas for how they can use their platform to help in the future as their audience grows.
If you are looking for a way to support the NHS during this time, you can follow government guidance to stay at home unless it is necessary for you to leave.
In addition, you can donate to the #Chat4NHS fundraiser or to the NHS directly.
On their website, Kent Community Health, an NHS Foundation Trust, said that donations to the NHS help to improve the quality of patient care as well as support the staff providing the much-needed service.
