How Calderdale is celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the NHS

A national minute of silence to remember those lost during the coronavirus pandemic will be held this weekend to coincide with the anniversary.

The “biggest thank you” will take place on the evening of Saturday July 4, will be followed by “a moment of thanks and connection” the next day, when there will be one last country-wide clap for the NHS, care staff and all key workers, after which, people will be encouraged to stay out to raise a glass or have a cup of tea with their neighbours.

Dr Steven Cleasby, Chair of NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Clap for Carers was very much embraced here in Calderdale and I’m delighted to support this opportunity to applaud all our critical workers once again. I know communities across Calderdale will want to pay tribute and thank everyone who has played their part in supporting our nation through this pandemic.”

To celebrate the anniversary on a local level, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust have organised an array of events and activities.

Brighouse artist Daisy Mae Crossley has designed an original artwork which will be printed on cards that will go to every member of staff. The Trust is close to Daisy's heart, as she was born at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and received treatment for a Prolactinoma (a tumour that develops in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain) at Halifax.

"I'm thrilled to get the chance to give a little something back to say a massive thank you," said Daisy.

Inside the card is a poem written by 9 year old Logan Kovaleski. Staff will receive a second card to give to a fellow key worker or community hero.

Each hospital entrance will be decorated with a memory tree, which will be decorated with messages that accompanied donations, knitted hearts, scrub bags and other sentimental objects.

Staff working on Sunday will also celebrate the anniversary with birthday cakes and sweet treats on the wards.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, said: “This year has been the most challenging in NHS history, with staff displaying extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion to care for the 100,000 patients with Covid-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and many others besides.

“During this testing time our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers.

“No health service, not even the NHS, could have coped alone with this coronavirus pandemic. From bus drivers and teachers to care staff and food retailers and, of course, the public who took action to stay at home to stop infection spreading, everyone played their part.

“The NHS’s anniversary this year not only offers the opportunity for us to say thank you to the nation, but for us all to come together at 5pm to pause and recognise all the work which has taken place in the last months and say a heartfelt thank you.”

The Piece Hall Trust has paired up with Yorkshire born artist Ian Berry and local aerial photography and film production company Halo Vue, to create a new film, entitled 'I Clap For', in a bid to thank key workers and the NHS. The video also features heartfelt messages from Calderdale residents.

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust, commented: “I was immediately struck by how powerful this project is especially during these troubling times. It has captured people’s imagination and attention throughout the UK and internationally. Discussing the animation with artist Ian Berry, I recognised this as a great opportunity to be part of a worldwide movement, which has captured the voices and experiences of our Halifax and Calderdale community.

"Its right that The Piece Hall is the platform to give thanks to our wonderful NHS and the local heroes that have supported our community throughout this crisis. This follows on the other thank yous at the Piece Hall during the ‘clap for’ period and to celebrate VE day and EID.

"On 5th July I will be clapping for everyone – we’ve got through some bad times together.”

The film will be shown across The Piece Hall’s social media channels from Sunday 5 July.

A convoy of 250 truckers will be taking to the M62 through Calderdale in a bid to honour and raise vital funds for the NHS on Saturday.

The truckers have received permission from the police and will do a 40 mile loop, starting at Hartshead Moor, heading to junction 22, and then back .