World to mark legacy of inspirational doctor

A SIMPLE ‘hello’, an introduction and a smile can go a long way when it comes to putting a patient at ease.

Two years on from her death, the mantra of Yorkshire’s own Dr Kate Granger, and her legacy, continues to gather pace as it sweeps across the world.

Today marks international #HelloMyNameIs Day, set up by her widower Chris Pointon to celebrate her life and the noble campaign that she established.

Dr Granger, from East Ardsley, near Leeds, died aged 34 on July 23, 2016, after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer five years earlier.

While battling the disease, she set up the #HelloMyNameIs campaign, in the hope of encouraging medics to introduce themselves after her own experiences as a patient. The day will be an emotional one, her widower Mr Pointon said, as it also marks what would have been the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary. “The reason why we set the day itself was to remember the inspiration behind the campaign – but also for people to stop and take a moment to remember Kate,” he said. “She meant so much to so many people across the world.”

People are being urged to keep the campaign’s message flowing by using the #HelloMyNameIs hashtag on social media.

People across the world have been asked to observe either a minute’s silence – or a round of applause – at 3.20pm, the time Dr Granger died.