APPLAUD YOUR HEROES
Clap for Carers tribute to return tonight as Clap for Heroes
People in Sunderland are being asked to take to the streets again tonight to show their support for all those in the front line of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
The woman who sparked last spring's Clap for Carers events is looking to resume the mass national tribute tonight – under the new name of Clap for Heroes.
As the country enters its third lockdown since the pandemic struck, Annemarie Plas is calling on people to come out of their homes and demonstrate their support at 8pm.
Clap for Carers ran for 10 weeks during the first lockdown and saw millions of people show their support – every Thursday evening for 10 weeks – for National Health Service staff and other frontline workers.
In a Twitter rallying cry, she said: "We are bringing back the 8pm applause, in our 3rd lockdown.
"I hope it can lift the spirit, of all of us. Carers teacher, homeschooling parents, those who shield and all who are pushing through this difficult time! Please join and share! #clapforheroes."
Ms Plas, a Dutch national living in south London, came up with the "spontaneous idea" as a way to show support for frontline workers battling Covid-19, and thought it might end up being just her and a few friends sharing the moment on video chat.
However, Clap for Carers quickly became a national tradition every Thursday at 8pm during the first lockdown.
Millions of people across the UK came to their doors, garden gates, gathered on pavements and stood in their gardens to support care staff and frontline workers.
A well as clapping, people banged drums and played musical instruments – with the events also providing a weekly ‘get together’ for neighbours who were isolating.
Nationally, members of the royal family and Prime Minister Boris Johnson also joined in with the show of support.
The event did, however, attract criticised for becoming politicised.
Before the final Clap for Carers in May, Ms Plas said: "Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised."
She felt the narrative had started to change and “didn't want the clap to be negative."