The donation, which was coordinated by the Wolves Foundation on behalf of Fosun, will enable social care workers and those working in service users' own homes, care homes and children's units within the city to do their crucial roles safely.

Shortages have seen stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) running low, and last week, City of Wolverhampton Council put out an appeal for businesses and other organisations to donate the essential kit.

Council leader, Cllr Ian Brookfield, said: “The donation from Fosun actually came before we put out our general appeal and this is a sign of their commitment to our city. We are truly thankful for this kind donation which will help to save lives.

“Fosun is the owner of Wolves and the club is a massive part of the fabric of our city. This is yet another example of us all pulling together as one-city.

“We still need more donations of PPE. We know that many local businesses have had to temporarily suspend or drastically reduce activities and it may be that they have some PPE which they can spare, so I would urge them to please get in touch if they can support us in any way."

Wolves owner and Fosun founder and chairman Guo Guangchang added: “We are so grateful to the health and social care workers fighting to keep us safe. Fosun, the club, and its business partners, would like to stand with the people of Wolverhampton, at this challenging time.”

The donation was made in partnership with Beijing Heaven Pictures, a Chinese film maker, whose president, Luo Fang, said: “We are saddened by the lives that are lost and deeply touched by the amazing efforts of our medics and social workers.

“The UK is where my daughter and I reside and we wanted to contribute to the frontline fight, with our friends at Fosun and Wolves Foundation.”

City of Wolverhampton Council is asking businesses to donate any spare PPE they currently have in stock including:

Fluid repellent disposable gowns – EN13795

Nitrile non-sterile gloves - EN 374

Plastic aprons – category 1

Eyewear and face protection - EN166

FFP2 and FFP3 masks - EN 149

IIR Surgical masks - EN14683

Donated products must be within their use by date and must adhere to the relevant standards.

Any business that can help is asked to contact the council as soon as possible by emailing covid19procurement@wolverhampton.gov.uk with full details of any PPE which may be available.