CambridgeshireLive and the Cambridge News are leading a campaign to raise funds for those in need amid the coronavirus crisis in the East of England.

Working in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF), the fund has donations in excess of £100,000 after its initial fundraising target was increased as more and more people across the region have been left in need amid the crisis.

The Coronavirus fund will provide community organisations emergency funding to deal with emerging issues in the community, affecting older people (aged 60 and over) and other vulnerable people (high risk, pre-existing medical conditions), as a result of the continuing threat of Covid-19.

Those donating to fund have included Cambridge Building Society and the Chadwyck-Healey Charitable Trust which each donated £10,000. Cambridgeshire County Council has donated £100,000 to the fund, and the National Emergencies Trust has committed £50,000.

David Bartlett, Editor-in-Chief of the Cambridge News and CambridgeshireLive confirmed that £9,000 had been donated over the weekend, and, as of 30 March, the total stood at just over £188,600.

Bartlett said: “I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our readers, Cambridge Building Society, and Sir Charles and Lady Angela Chadwyck-Healey.

“However, we need much more funding for community groups to help Cambridgeshire come through the coronavirus crisis.

“I know the huge pressure this epidemic is putting on our communities, and I would appeal to everyone to donate whatever amount they can.”