SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has launched a weekend of fundraising to support those whose lives have been impacted by Covid-19.

Whitchurch residents will be able to give a big boost this month to three life-changing charities that the supermarket is helping support.

Stores across the nation are supporting the Tesco Health Charity Partnership's appeal to raise money for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK from Friday, February 26 to Sunday, February 28.

Tesco customers can make a donation by rounding up their shop in store to the nearest £1 at self-service checkouts. All funds raised will go directly to the three charities.

Because of the pandemic, each charity has already seen its income reduced drastically due to the cancellation of fundraising events and temporary closure of shops.

Support from Tesco customers at this critical time will help each charity continue its vital work to save and improve lives.

Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco, said now was more important than ever to support charities.

"Our customers have always been so generous in helping us support such good causes, and there's never been a more important time as now to give a little help to power the life-changing work of Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK," said Oonagh.

Meanwhile Kath Abrahams (Diabetes UK), Caro Evans (Cancer Research UK) and Claire Sadler (the British Heart Foundation), directors of the three charities, said: "For everyone living with, or at risk of cancer, heart and circulatory diseases and diabetes, the last year has been especially frightening and difficult, with many at an increased risk of serious complications as a result of Covid-19.

"The work our charities do, the research we fund, and the support we provide to millions of people is needed now more than ever, but we are only able to continue thanks to the generosity of people across the UK.

"We are grateful to Tesco customers for their unwavering support over the years, which has and will continue to ensure that we can fight the corner of those who need us the most."

As well as donating at the self-service checkout, customers can also donate via www.justgiving.com/campaign/tescodonate, or by scanning the QR code with their mobile device at the customer bagging area at the main bank checkouts.

Customers also have the opportunity to donate their Clubcard vouchers to the charities at www.tesco.com/zones/supporting-charities-and-communities