More than a million pounds have been given to support local people during the pandemic.

The Cornwall Emergency Appeal, launched on March 19, has passed the £1million mark with great momentum and is now on the way to its £2million target.

The appeal, set up by Cornish charity Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF), is raising funds to support people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly whose lives and businesses have taken a catastrophic hit by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It has already given 140 grants.

Jane Hartley, chairman of the foundation, said: “The generosity and response of our community to this crisis has been extraordinary. This remarkable milestone is the clearest example yet of what our community is able to do when we come together.

"It also shows how the Cornish community extends way beyond the Tamar with more than 60 per cent of private donations coming from people who live outside the county.”

The £1.2million raised so far also includes £338,000 from the National Emergencies Trust, the national disaster charity running a nationwide coronavirus appeal, and £100,000 each from The Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund and Cornwall Council.

Tamas Haydu, Cornwall Community Foundation’s chief executive, said: “While reaching this milestone is really good news, there are still thousands of people in Cornwall really struggling with their day to day living.

"Research we have undertaken showed that 70 per cent of frontline community groups expect to be delivering services directly related to the Coronavirus crisis for 12 months or more.”

“People feel isolated, lonely and uncertain. The journey back to normality will be a challenge for many and will take longer than we think.

"We have set a £2million fundraising target for the Cornwall Emergency Appeal as that will enable us to continue to meet basic crisis needs related to hunger, shelter and immediate welfare but also support people back on their feet over the next twelve months and beyond.”

It’s not just about helping community groups and networks back to where they were before the crisis, important though that is. CCF’s research shows that frontline community groups are expecting increases in costs to run alongside reductions in income.

Jane said: “I am certain this £1million milestone will inspire those of us who love Cornwall, whether living inside or outside the county, to continue donating so we can keep on helping community groups and charities both meet immediate needs and develop for the new future. Thank you one and all.”

To donate to the Cornwall Emergency Appeal or, if you are a community group, to apply for funding, please visit cornwallcommunityfoundation.com.