The Rotary Club of Douglas Lockington Marshall Fund has donated £5,000 to enable those suffering from Covid-19 to stay connected with their loved ones.

The donation to Hospice Isle of Man has funded the purchase of six iPads and nine mobile phones for use across the community.

The virus has seen the introduction of visitor restrictions in hospital, the hospice and nursing homes across the island and limited contact with their loved by those who may remain in the family home.

A Hospice Isle of Man spokesman said: ’We are delighted to be the beneficiary of an extremely generous grant from The Rotary Club of Douglas Lockington Marshall Fund.

’Covid-19 has resulted in Hospice Isle of Man utilising technology to continue to offer the best possible care to our patients and their families so they can live well, their way, to the end of their lives.

’This grant will allow patients and their families to stay connected whilst following social distancing guidelines.’

The club said it wanted to ensure people would be able to say goodbye to a loved one and for those isolated from their families while being treated for the virus to keep in touch.

Rotary Club of Douglas president Anthony Pugh said: ’We became aware that electronic communication could be made available in these circumstances to enable those who wanted to say goodbye to their loved ones to do so.

’Whilst technology cannot replace the hug of a loved one, the joy that just seeing and talking to someone is amazing.’

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said the donation ’will bring comfort to many people at this difficult time’.

He added: ’We are living in unprecedented times that have impacted on every part of our lives and none is more upsetting than us not being able to care for, or comfort, loved ones who may be coming towards the end of their lives.’