Good news and community stories from April 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

1. Captain Tom Moore raises millions for NHS charities

In April 2020, Captain Tom Moore completed 100 laps of his garden to raise money for NHS Charities Together. He had initially set a £1,000 target; NHS England reported £23 million raised by 18 April.

2. Manchester’s NHS Nightingale hospital opens

The temporary hospital at Manchester Central officially opened on 17 April 2020, with some patients already admitted. It provided care for patients who did not need critical care. The hospital said 36 beds would initially be available, with capacity to expand to 750 if needed.

3. The #YouAreNotAlone campaign draws attention to domestic abuse

In April 2020, the Home Office launched the #YouAreNotAlone campaign to highlight support for people experiencing domestic abuse during lockdown. Refuge reported a 120% rise in helpline calls on 6 April compared with the previous day. Support information is available from the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

4. Easter eggs reach Buxton families

Buxton Street by Street volunteers organised Easter-egg deliveries for local families during the lockdown. In a later report on the group, Explore Buxton recorded more than 2,500 eggs delivered to families in need.

5. A cancer drug is studied as a possible COVID-19 treatment

In 2020, AstraZeneca studied the cancer drug acalabrutinib (Calquence) as a possible way to reduce the inflammatory immune response in people hospitalised with COVID-19. The later CALAVI trials did not meet their primary efficacy endpoint; a subsequent publication reported no significant clinical benefit from adding the drug to supportive care.

6. Matching fabric hearts connect patients and families

In April 2020, intensive care nurse Kat Lamb asked volunteers to make matching fabric hearts for hospital patients and relatives unable to visit during lockdown.

7. Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue honours healthcare workers

On Easter Sunday 2020, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated as a doctor in tribute to healthcare workers. Flags of countries affected by the pandemic were also projected onto the monument.

8. One World: Together At Home brings performers together

Lady Gaga and Global Citizen helped curate One World: Together At Home, broadcast on 18 April 2020 in support of healthcare workers. Global Citizen announced $127.9 million in commitments, including $55.1 million for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and $72.8 million for local and regional responders.

9. A smile on protective clothing helps reassure patients

In San Diego, respiratory therapist Robertino Rodriguez attached a photograph of his smiling face to his protective clothing so patients could see the person behind the mask.

10. A Fulham trainer leads workouts from a shipping container

Personal trainer Flo Dowler led neighbours in 1980s-inspired workouts from a container on her Fulham street during lockdown. A later report said she also raised money for the National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal and NHS workers.