Stars salute the lifesavers

Camilla leads tributes to our health service

OUR best-loved stars joined hundreds of well-wishers to honour a national treasure revered around the world.

The NHS’S amazing staff have courageously coped with everything from terror attacks to relentless financial cuts.

And last night, at the first dazzling NHS Heroes Awards, brought to you by ITV and the Mirror, it was time to salute their astounding work.

Guest of honour the Duchess of Cornwall said to the winners: “What would we do without you?” She added: “There’s so many people who deserve it, it must have been hard to pick.”

Camilla was joined at London’s Hilton Park Lane hotel by stars keen to offer personal thank-yous to the NHS in its 70th year.

Many have experienced the tireless sacrifices made by health staff to care for them and loved ones. Just two weeks ago, actor Michael Sheen’s dad had an operation at Swansea’s Morriston hospital and the star, 49, said: “He is doing better now and it means so much to me and my family.”

TV host Gloria Hunniford, 78, said: “I believe in angels and there are nurses and doctors who are Earth angels.”

Ex-top Gear host Richard Hammond, 48, a victim of two serious crashes, said: “There is no way I’d have the passion and bravery and commitment to do their job. They’re here when you need them the most. Then they come back the next day and do it all over again.”

Former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, 38, who had a double mastectomy in 2012, said: “They saved my life. It’s the best in the world.” Saturday Night Takeaway star Scarlett Moffatt, 28, said: “They help you through the toughest times of your life.”

Connor Mcintyre, 57, Coronation Street’s Pat Phelan, said he would have died of a heart problem but for the NHS.

He added: “It’s a guardian angel for us. Shame on those people trying to dismantle it.”

TV star Myleene Klass, 40, whose mum was an NHS nurse, said: “I have a huge amount of admiration for them. The winners tonight are heroes.”

Helen Worth, 67, who plays Corrie’s Gail, said: “Goodness knows what we would do without the NHS.”

Ex-boxer Frank Bruno, 56, who has spoken about his mental health battles, said: “Theresa May needs to give every NHS worker a pay rise.”

Pictures: PHILLIP COBURN, PHIL HARRIS, ROWAN GRIFFITHS, STEVE BAINBRIDGE, ADAM SORENSON Myleene Klass GMB’S Kate Garraway & Charlotte Hawkins Stylish fertility pioneer Sir Robert Winston Katie Piper looks stunning in pink Awards host Paul O’grady greets Camilla as she arrives at the ceremony Richard Hammond is all smiles with wife Mindy...