Coronavirus: Carol Vorderman donates private plane to help deliver equipment to NHS staff

Former Countdown star got her pilot's license in 2014

Carol Vorderman has donated her private plane to help NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, the former Countdown star shared on Twitter a series of photos of her and her plane, which she refers to as Mildred.

Alongside the images, Vorderman revealed the plane is currently being used by Aerospace company BAE Systems to help deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospital workers across the country.

“My Mildred and I (my aeroplane N242CV) have had some adventures BUT I want to tell you that right now she is being used by the amazing people at @BAESystemsAir to ferry PPE to where it's needed by our #NHS around the country.... #GoMildred #NHSThankYou” Vorderman wrote.

The 59-year-old’s followers praised her for helping the NHS, with one writing: “Thank you Carol, much appreciated... I saw some patients this week in the community and it’s so important we have the correct PPE.”

Another user wrote: “Wouldn’t have expected anything else from you Carol, well done and thank you.”

A third person added: “That's so heartening to hear. Thanks for sharing that. Go Mildred. Doesn't it feel fantastic to be able to do something positive!”

Earlier this week, the government revealed it was setting up a national response team to help deliver millions of face masks, gloves and gowns to NHS staff after officials admitted the existing supply chain was “overwhelmed” by demand.

Vorderman is not the only celebrity helping those on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

James McAvoy recently donated £275,000 to a crowdfunding campaign that provides PPE to NHS staff.

The doctors wrote in their appeal: “Unfortunately current hospital supplies are not sufficient and while we are reassured the government is doing everything it can, healthcare workers on the frontline are risking themselves daily without adequate protection to care for sick patients.”

So far, the campaign has raised more than £1 million to protect healthcare workers against Covid-19.