As we settle in for another three weeks of lockdown, here are some more uplifting tales from around the world that might add some zest to your day!
Treat Our NHS
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There have been many many viral movements making the rounds, but the #TreatOurNHS campaign – initiated by a retreat owner in Devon – caught our eye this week. Lots of travel companies and hoteliers have been taking to social media to offer free stays to NHS staff once all the travel bans are lifted. Another similar set-up is #MyTravelPledge – you can nominate yourself or someone you know for a free short trip to the likes of Yorkshire, or even Malaga!
Tea Break
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To celebrate St George’s Day on Thursday, and all of the work the NHS does to keep the nation healthy, The Lanesborough hotel in Knightsbridge plans to send selections of its exquisite sandwiches, scones and Peggy Porschen cakes from its famous afternoon tea to staff at St George’s Hospital.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
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Following on from our story last week about Captain Tom Moore, who was in the midst of walking 100 laps around his garden to raise money for the NHS, we can reveal that his total has now reached an unbelievable £27.5m – as he crossed the finish line, he was flanked by a guard of honour. The 99-year-old, who turns 100 next week, has already received thousands of birthday cards and the Royal Mail is rolling out a special postmark to celebrate his big birthday. If that wasn’t enough, the army veteran is currently number one in the singles chart with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care Choir, who sing a cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Eagle Eye
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White tailed eagles have returned to the skies above the North Yorkshire Moors for the first time in 240 years, after six eaglets were introduced to cliffs on the Isle of Wight as part of a restoration project by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. These mighty creatures, boasting a two-and-a-half-metre wingspan, went extinct in the 20th century after they were illegally hunted. You can follow the path that these birds of prey have taken here. Over five years, the project aims to release sixty eagles around the Solent – the strait between the Isle of Wight and England.
New Ventilator
A new ventilator designed for the Ventilator Challenge UK has gained regulatory approval, and the government has already ordered 15,000 to help fight the coronavirus. The first shipment of Penlon ESO 2 Emergency Ventilators left the Abingdon manufacturer on April 16th.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
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In another amazing feat, 90-year-old Margaret Payne is climbing the equivalent of the height of the Suilven mountain in Scotland – 2,398 feet – on her stairs where she lives in Ardvar. On her Virgin Money Giving page, she states: ‘I first climbed Suilven in 1944 aged 15 with my sister Elizabeth from Glencanisp, Lochinver, during the war. I have now lived in the Highlands for over 40 years and I would like to raise funds to support the NHS in particular at this difficult time and especially in return for the extraordinary support we have received personally at Ardvar. In addition we are giving some support to the Highland Hospice.’
Margaret has already far surpassed her £10,000 target and is on £276,968.86 already. She thinks the feat will take her around two months, so plenty of time to get those donations in!
For the Love of Scrubs
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Some crafty quarantiners have been making the most of their time at home by sewing scrubs for those working on the frontline. Protective clothing now needs to be changed more frequently to stop the spread of the virus, so everyone from grandmothers to costume designers and tailors have been creating scrubs, caps, headbands, and even protective washbags for the items. If you’d like to find out how to get involved, click here.
And finally…
A 34-year-old man who was being treated on an end-of-life ward in Bradford for Covid-19 has beaten the virus and been discharged.
The first two patients to be discharged from NHS Nightingale were sent off with a round of applause and cheering from the staff at the emergency hospital in London’s ExCel centre.
Today we discharged our first patients from the Nightingale. They’ve received fantastic care from a huge and dedicated team, and we wish them all the best for their continued recovery #OneTeam #ThankYouNHS #NHSheroes pic.twitter.com/blXGTchsVU
— NHS Nightingale London (@NightingaleLDN) April 19, 2020
