WW2 SPITFIRE LIFTS SPIRITS ON SPECIAL FLYOVER
The sky above Stirling Community Hospital was filled with the noise of a World War II plane which paid tribute to Forth Valley’s NHS workers.
The classic Spitfire air plane flew directly over the hospital, as well as Forth Valley Royal Hospital, on Thursday afternoon.
Onlookers spotted the plane which was displaying a‘thank You Nhs’message to workers for their service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The plane took off from Cumbernauld Airport as it set of on a charity flight, flying over 64 hospitals over the course of the week.
The Spitfire, built in 1944, flew via Dunfermline, Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen on its tour, before landing at Inverness Airport. Upon departure from Inverness it then headed for Stirling.
The flyover was organised by the NHS Spitfire Project in partnership with Aircraft Restoration Company.
Throughout the coronavirus lockdown, the plane flew each Thursday from its base at
Duxford Airfield, near Cambridge, coinciding with the #clapforourcarers evenings.
A fundraiser was launched which saw people given the opportunity to nominate an NHS worker who would have their name hand-written into the iconic blue Spitfire as it takes flight to raise money for NHS Charities Together.
The project also coincided with the 72nd birthday of the NHS in July this year.
More than £90,000 has been raised to date from the initiative.
Following the special flyover of Stirling Community
Hospital and Forth Valley
Royal Hospital, an NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said:“the sight of a Spitfire flying over our hospitals lifted the spirits of many people. It was a lovely gesture and a superb way of saying thank you to all our staff who have been at the forefront of another battle, fighting coronavirus.”
To donate to the fundraiser, go to https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/nhsspitfire