Last Mighty Clap For Those Who Keep Us Safe

The nation is to stage a special doorstep clap and raise a rousing NHS birthday toast to millions of Covid-19 heroes.

- Giles Sheldrick

Plans are being made to say a huge thank you to all those who have helped tackle the pandemic – on the service’s 72nd anniversary next month.

The plan for the celebratory weekend on July 4 and 5 has the backing of grassroots community leaders, carers, emergency workers, sportsmen and women, religious leaders, celebrities, the Scouts and Guides associations, and record-breaking fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore.

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “Over recent months our nurses, doctors, therapists, support staff, paramedics and countless other NHS colleagues have had to contend with the greatest challenge in the service’s history.

“But we could never have done it alone and we’ve been helped and sustained by fellow key workers, carers and volunteers who together have looked out for others and kept the country running.”

He added: “As we mark the NHS’s birthday we want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the whole NHS to all those who have played their part in tackling this horrible coronavirus pandemic.”

The centrepiece of a weekend of commemorations will be a minute’s silence on Saturday July 4 – with the country asked to light a candle and display it in windows in remembrance of all who have died during the coronavirus crisis.