Frontline staff recognised in fight to save lives during virus pandemic
NHS HONOURED: ROYAL COUPLE PRESENT PRIDE AWARDS
THE NATION’S frontline NHS staff have been recognised with a Pride of Britain award presented by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who praised them for their “humility and compassion”.
William and Kate paid tribute to all health workers who have put their “lives on the line to help others” during the coronavirus outbreak.
The couple met six representatives of the NHS last week to discuss their work during the pandemic and to present them with the special recognition award at one of Britain’s oldest hospitals, St Bartholomew’s in London.
Good Morning Britain cohost Kate Garraway introduced the royals to the NHS staff and William and Kate offered their support to the TV presenter, whose husband Derek Draper is seriously ill after contracting Covid- 19.
The Duke said: “The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us as a nation of how much we owe to the thousands of NHS workers who have gone far beyond the call of duty this year. They have worked tirelessly around the clock, with humility and compassion, in the most challenging of circumstances.”
The presentation was filmed for the closing moments of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, which celebrate the achievements of the nation’s unsung heroes and will be broadcast on Sunday at 9pm on ITV.
Among the six health workers who received the award were Keisha Mills, an intensive care matron, Marion Jones, a healthcare assistant, and Dr Simon Finney, an intensive care consultant - all from Barts Health NHS Trust. And the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust provided Heder Lopes Landim, a porter at Barnet Hospital, Martha Sarpong, an intensive therapy unit support nurse, and Charlotte Greenfield, a critical care physiotherapist. Ms Greenfield said it was flattering to be honoured.