An innovative new symbol of gratitude to NHS heroes sculpted from a World War Two Spitfire is set to raise thousands of pounds to support frontline workers.
New “Thank You” pins will go on sale from Friday, in time for next week’s NHS Day – marking the bravery of frontline workers.
The distinctive design depicts the hands of six NHS staff who have steered the country through the crisis.
Pins are made from Duralumin – a type of aluminium alloy – recycled from a Spitfire aircraft which took to the skies during the Battle of Britain.
The man who came up with the idea said this sums up the incredible work the NHS has done – and hopes it can raise tens of thousands of pounds for NHS Charities Together.
The pins, made from metal recycled from an RAF Spitfire, will go on sale from Friday
Christopher Bennett, founder of TMB Art Metal, which is producing the pins, said: “Whilst the pandemic isn’t a physical war, there are many parallels to the experiences that communities and front- line workers endured during World War Two.
“I wanted to bring two iconic symbols from these wars over 80 years apart together to create a collectable pin that represents the nation’s gratitude for all NHS workers’ sacrifice and bravery, whilst raising significant funds for NHS Charities Together.”
The Spitfire, serial number “P7350”, first flew in August 1940 and became a symbol of bravery, resilience and hope in Britain’s darkest hour.
The Spitfire used to make The Thank You pin, which first flew in 1940
The NHS workers whose hands are depicted are:
May Parsons, who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccination, is a Matron for Education and Escalation, Interim Matron for Respiratory Medicine at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Dr Amie Burbridge FRCP, MMedEd, MBChB, who documented her life during the BBC Documentary “Pandemic”, is a consultant Acute/General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Fathma Shabbir, a young newly qualified nurse at Ealing Hospital Intensive Care Unit, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Faisal Yousaf, a porter at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Kathryn Gill, was a band five nurse who worked in the cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ITU) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, which during the height of the pandemic became a Covid ITU
Samuel Opoku-Mensah, a Ward Manager at Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust
The heroics of NHS frontline staff are celebrated, with cash going to a good cause
Dr Burbridge said: “Being invited to be part of ‘the hands’ is an incredible honour. The hands perfectly represent how everyone in the NHS has come together to work in partnership.
“For me it really tells the story of how walking hand in hand, supporting each other, and providing strength has helped cope with the unprecedented difficulties that the NHS has faced during the pandemic.”
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, added: “This new pin design is fantastic and a lovely tribute to the NHS staff who have worked so tirelessly to keep us all safe and well throughout the pandemic.
Birmingham nurse Kathryn Gill is one of the pandemic heroes whose hands are depicted
Samuel Opoku-Mensah said “tough times never last forever, but resilient individuals do”
“I urge people to buy one, as it will mean we can do even more to support all NHS staff, volunteers and patients caught up in all this.”
Mr Yousaf said: “I feel overwhelmed to be a part of this project. I’ve been at HDFT around 2 years and to me my colleagues are not colleagues but friends and family. I have so much love and respect for all of them.
“I wouldn’t be here without their support. I feel so privileged to work alongside so many amazing doctors and nurses and when they call my name and ask for help with something, to do it as fast as I can in and safe manner is amazing.
“I love working with such amazing people and to represent them in this project is an absolute honour.”
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Mr Opoku-Mensah said: “Tough times should not define you, because life can change in a twinkle of an eye, therefore appreciate the people around you.
“Remember tough times never last forever, but resilient individuals do”
Ms Parsons said: “I am extremely honoured to represent my exemplary colleagues within the NHS for this project. I work with the most amazing caring people and to represent them is such a privilege.
“Our hands are the loving hands that cares for our family, our friends, our community and all the patients we are privileged to care for.
“These hands will hold you in your happiest times and in your darkest loneliest hour.
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“With these hands, you are never alone. We will always be here for you and your loved ones.”
The “Thank You” Pin in aid of NHS Charities Together will be available exclusively from www.nhsthankyoupin.co.uk and Ernest Jones www.ernestjones.com from Friday.
Priced at £25 including VAT, £10 from each sale will benefit NHS Charities Together to support the incredible work the charity does improving NHS services and supporting NHS staff
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