James McAvoy donates to coronavirus efforts in the UK

X-Men actor James McAvoy has donated nearly $350,000 to ensure that the UK has the protective equipment needed for medical personnel to treat COVID-19 patients.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached six of seven continents, and it’s begun spreading rapidly in nations around the globe. Many countries are overwhelmed by the amount of medical supplies needed to fight the disease, but luckily, celebrities are stepping up and donating to the cause. James McAvoy, best known for his role as young Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, is the latest famous face to do his part, giving £275,000, or nearly $350,000, to a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Thanks to McAvoy and the others who have donated, the campaign has already raised over $400,000, doubling its original goal and ensuring that medical staff will have the gloves, masks, and visors they need to safely help treat patients with COVID-19. McAvoy’s donation alone will amount to 75,000 more masks and visors, all of which will no doubt be needed as the health crisis escalates.

According to The Guardian, Dr. Salaj Masand, who helped put the campaign together, expressed gratitude for the response to the fundraising effort. “We are overwhelmed and speechless at the trust and faith people have put into us to deliver this,” Masand said. “The number of very generous donations from everyone doubled our target within three days.”

McAvoy isn’t the only celebrity to donate in the fight against COVID-19, and it’s likely more people with the means to do so will step up and help as the situation continues. Just last week, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation pledged $5 million to help fight the disease, as well as to aid those who are most vulnerable during this time. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively also recently made a generous donation, as did Angelina Jolie.

With so many disheartening stories about COVID-19, it’s a relief to see that people are at least banding together to try to lessen the impact of the disease. It’s a small thing, but it’s a positive one nonetheless.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.