NHS workers light up tree in special service
A DOCTOR and nurse working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic were given the honour of switching on the tree lights at Durham Cathedral in tribute to NHS.
Tara Watkiss, an A&E Doctor, and Dawn Kempson, a Junior Sister, were asked to light the tree in recognition of their life-saving work on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Blessing of the Crib service on Sunday, the NHS staff who both work at the University Hospital of North Dur
ham, lit up the cathedral’s 25ft Norwegian Spruce this year. The service also saw the crib blessed with holy water at the font by clergy as well as festive carols from Durham Cathedral Choir.
Reverend Kevin Tromans, Senior Chaplain, County Durham and Darlington, NHS Foundation Trust, also read out a passage during the service.
The order of service said: “This year, at our annual service to bless the Crib and light the Christmas Tree, we honour the National Health Service which has been in the spotlight since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic even more than usual as its magnificent staff have cared for the sick and the anxious with skill, determination
and love. We take this opportunity to salute them for all they are and for all that they mean to us and we welcome Tara Watkiss, A&E doctor, who will officially light the tree on behalf of her colleagues across the nation.
“We thank her for being with us and we ask her to take our prayers and gratitude back to her colleagues at the University Hospital of North Durham.
“We also welcome the Reverend Kevin Tromans, Senior Chaplain, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.”
As the service began, the Dean said: “We welcome Tara Watkiss from the University Hospital of North Durham who represents the National Health
Service for which we give thanks and to which we pay tribute.
“And, as we pray, so let us remember too those who have little cause for joy this Christmas: the poor and the unloved, the lonely and the insecure, those who seek sanctuary and those who grieve.
“May the love of the Christ Child move us to be generous and kind, loving and inclusive, welcoming and friendly: this Christmas and at all times; for the sake of the same Jesus Christ who taught us to pray.”
The lights lowered and Tara Watkiss turned on the twinkling lights on the Christmas Tree followed by more hymns.