All stars PM’s thank you as festive tree is ‘beacon of hope’ for NHS
SPECIAL blue stars signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and key members of his Government team are shining bright in Bristol – on Clifton’s special NHS Christmas tree.
The 50ft tree has been put up in The Mall Gardens this year in tribute to the NHS which is facing its biggest challenge ever in 2020 dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The tree, called Florence after Florence Nightingale, is being festooned in the blue NHS Thank You stars which are being sold to raise money for NHS staff wellbeing charities in the city.
The blue star scheme is the brainchild of businessman and entrepreneur Tony Miles who each year ‘lights up Clifton Village’ for Christmas.
Along with Boris Johnson – who has the star numbered 10 – health secretary Matt Hancock, Government deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam and North Somerset MP Liam Fox have all signed stars.
In his message written on the star, Mr Van Tam wrote: “You are all terrific. Thanks for all you are doing. Merry Christmas, season greetings, JVT, deputy chief medical officer.”
Matt Hancock signed his star: “Merry Christmas to all the brilliant NHS staff.”
Others who have signed the NHS stars are actor and Doc Martin star Martin Clunes, Pat Lamb of Bristol Bears rugby and Dean Holden from Bristol City Football Club.
The switch was flicked on the tree – one of the biggest festive firs in the South West – on Tuesday night by Tony Miles, aka Smiley Miley of the Radio One Roadshow, and the vicar of Christ Church Clifton, The Rev Paul Langham.
The Rev Langham blessed the tree with a special NHS blessing.
Also on hand to help was nineyear-old Florence Bennett from Henleaze who has family members being cared for by the NHS.
This is the 10th year that Tony has put up a festive fir in Clifton Village, in conjunction with BID Clifton Village.
Tony said: “To have stars signed by Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and Johnathan Van Tam is a real coup for the city of Bristol.
“As this is the 10th anniversary tree and with the current pandemic, I felt we needed to do something special. I want this tree to become Bristol’s beacon of hope for the NHS in the city.
“Our NHS teams have been under great pressure not only from Covid 19.
“This is not just about the pandemic but also to thank our amazing NHS heroes that go above and beyond every single day of the year to help others.
“They need our support more now than ever and I would encourage everyone to dig deep and buy a star and donate.”
Local businesses in Clifton Village have all brought stars and are selling them to help raise funds.
The money is going to hospital charity Above and Beyond and Southmead Hospital staff wellbeing projects.
Every star purchased has a personal number printed on it which will be entered in a Christmas draw.
Prizes include a sapphire diamond ring worth £2,000 from John Titcombe Jewellers, dinner for four at The Ivy, meals at the Clifton Sausage, Fishers Restaurant and a case of champagne from DB Wines.
Other prizes up for grabs include rare 007 champagne from Burston and Cook, a bespoke print from SKY in Clifton and a Christmas hamper from Chandos Deli.
Stars can be purchased at shops in Clifton Village displaying the Buy an NHS star here poster or by going to virgin money giving.com and searching FlorenceNHSChristmastree. The stars are £25 or you can make a donation.