Last mighty clap for those who keep us safe
THE nation is to stage a special doorstep clap and raise a rousing NHS birthday toast to millions of Covid-19 heroes.
Plans are being made to say a huge thank you to all those who have helped tackle the pandemic – on the service’s 72nd anniversary next month.
The plan for the celebratory weekend on July 4 and 5 has the backing of grassroots community leaders, carers, emergency workers, sportsmen and women, religious leaders, celebrities, the Scouts and Guides associations and recordbreaking fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “Over recent months our nurses, doctors, therapists, support staff, paramedics and countless other NHS colleagues have had to contend with the greatest challenge in the service’s history.
“But we could never have done it alone and we’ve been helped and sustained by fellow key workers, carers and volunteers who together have looked out for others and kept the country running.”
He added: “As we mark the NHS’s birthday we want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the whole NHS to all those who have played their part in tackling this horrible coronavirus pandemic.”
The centrepiece of a weekend of commemorations will be a minute’s silence on Saturday July 4 – with the country asked to light a candle and display it in windows in remembrance of all who have died during the coronavirus crisis.
The following day, the anniversary of the founding of the NHS, Britain will participate in one final doorstep clap of thanks, before raising a glass or sharing a cup of tea with neighbours. More events are to be announced.
Among those backing the initiative are Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby, chairman of the newly-formed /Together steering group, Match Of The Day presenter and former England footballer Gary Lineker, astronaut Tim Peake and Annemarie Plas, who was behind the hugely successful Clap for Carers movement.
The special weekend will be an opportunity to celebrate the NHS – founded in 1948 to provide healthcare from cradle to grave, free at the point of use for everyone.
It will be used to honour unsung heroes such as teachers, care staff, transport and shop workers, the Armed Forces and volunteers. And it will be a way to recognise the nationwide support shown to those toiling on the frontline – from children who have placed rainbows and NHS signs in windows, to those who have undoubtedly saved lives by staying at home.
Annemarie said: “Over the last 10 weeks millions of people came out to clap those who went to work so we could safely stay indoors.
Now is the time to expand this gratitude and acknowledge everyone who has and is still helping us through this crisis.
“Thursday nights were a moment to show our appreciation but also became a moment to check in with our neighbours and have some human contact. I hope we can make July 5 a day which unites us countrywide.”
Most Rev.Welby said: “This crisis has in many ways made us more grateful for each other and more indebted to workers who put themselves at risk to keep our country running and protect the vulnerable.
Moment
“My hope is that it will serve as a powerful moment of remembrance, thanks and connection, as we commit to helping to create kinder, closer communities.”
As the Daily Express has reported throughout the crisis, Covid-19 has caused immeasurable hardship and suffering with tens of thousands of families losing loved
ones, an upsurge in those struggling with physical and mental health and enormous financial hardship.
But it has also shown the best of British, with millions stepping up to volunteer, help neighbours, protect those at risk and pulling together to support one another.
A poll for the /Together campaign revealed the country feels more connected than it did before the crisis. Six in 10 people said the public response has shown the unity of society more than its divisions. Just 15 per cet disagreed.
Ruth May, England’s chief nurse, said: “The NHS’s birthday is an important moment when we say thank you – to staff across the health service, but also to all those who have supported us as we’ve been tackling the pandemic.
“Community spirit has been one of the few positives of this time.
“Throughout its history the NHS has brought the country together, treating everyone based on need, not ability to pay. We’re honoured the /Together coalition has chosen the NHS birthday to pull the country together.”