THE Southampton community has raised over £5,000 in one week to help fund oxygen supplies for India.

The University of Southampton India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development has collaborated with the British Asian Trust Appeal in raising funds for oxygen concentrators to be deployed in Indian hospitals.

In the first week alone, £5,600 has been raised by University students, staff, alumni, supporters and nearby organisations which is now set to be used to aid India’s deepening COVID-19 crisis, which has set new world records for the pandemic.

The Southampton based India Business Group is also supporting the campaign by promoting the appeal across its local and global networks and digital channels.

Professor Jane Falkingham OBE, Vice-President International and Executive Director of the University India Centre said: “We are all very concerned about the devastating impact of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India.

"Whilst the sad and significant impact to Indian lives and livelihoods continues, it is heartening to see so many people in Southampton and the Central South charities, organisations, businesses and communities working together to help with crucial fundraising and facilitating vital medical support.”

This comes as Indian health chiefs have confirmed another 4,205 coronavirus deaths, setting another daily record and taking its official Covid-19 toll past 250,000 as it battles a surge in infections.

Amarjit Singh, Chief Executive of the India Business Group and Special Advisor for India to the University of Southampton said: “The astronomical numbers of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in India is devastating beyond words and we fear the peak is yet to come.

"It is vital that we work together to provide emergency support to those in India suffering the most during this time of humanitarian crisis. Working alongside the University of Southampton and various stakeholders, we hope to raise awareness and funds to provide medical support to those who need it urgently”.