The Sun calls on Brits to support our fantastic NHS by applauding them every Thursday evening during coronavirus crisis

THE Sun today calls on readers to show their respect and appreciation for the NHS by again applauding them — and on every Thursday of the coronavirus crisis.

We want the public to open a window or head to the garden or balcony to hail our hero medics at 8pm.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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You can even turn your house blue in support — like 200 UK landmarks including Tower Bridge, the White Cliffs of Dover and Angel of the North near Gateshead.

Millions took part in last Thursday’s first clap and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, in isolation with the illness, said: “It was incredibly moving to see the country come together to thank our NHS heroes.

“I’m fully behind any effort to make sure they know just how much we value them.”

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, added: “I know how much last week’s extraordinary scenes meant to my colleagues.

"So I would like to thank The Sun for backing this campaign.”

The clapping was the brainchild of South London yoga teacher Annemarie Plas.

She said: “We will do this every Thursday at 8pm to keep supporting those who are under enormous stress day in, day out.”

Celebs back our campaign

BGT judge Amanda Holden: 'The NHS is amazing.  It’s important  they feel our appreciation.'

Strictly star A.J. Pritchard: 'We’ll be clapping for the incredible NHS ...please do get involved, too.'

Radio host Myleene Klass: 'The NHS are doing an incredible job during such a difficult time.'

Pop star Olly Murs: 'Get out on your doorstep or balcony every Thursday and clap LOUDLY!'

GMB host Piers Morgan: "Last week’s national clap was one of the most extraordinary things I have ever been involved in and it would be great to do it every week at the same during this crisis, not least because NHS workers will be going through a tougher and tougher time on our behalf."

Sun columnist Rob Rinder: “Our NHS represents who we are as a nation at our very best. Let’s show our appreciation for their selfless courage. Stand in solidarity with communities across the country as we cheer on the bravest among us.” 

Magic Radio host Ronan Keating: “Last week on Magic Radio, we joined millions of you around the country in pausing to applaud the amazing work of our NHS. Why not continue to show your appreciation and keep clapping for them every Thursday.”

 

 

Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden is among stars backing the national applause.

She said: “The NHS is amazing. They are saving lives daily. It’s important they feel our appreciation regularly.”

GMB host Piers Morgan said: “Last week was one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever been involved in.

"It would be great to do it every week at the same time.”

Sarah Moppett, deputy chief nurse at Nottingham University Hospitals, said of last week: “You could hear fireworks, amazing cheers and clapping from all around.

“I can’t tell you how many responses I had from colleagues saying how fantastic it was.”

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Dr Matthew Boulter, a GP in Penzance, Cornwall, said: “Many of our staff broke down and wept.

"I’m so pleased The Sun is encouraging people to make it a weekly thing. It has an enormous effect on morale.”

Craig Leathard, a nurse at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, said: “I’ve stood on ambulance bays and shed sad tears over the years, but last week was different.

"I can’t tell you how special, connected and proud it made us feel.”

Events producer Kenny Underwood — responsible for the last two Jubilee celebrations — helped with the idea.

Kenny, from Kent, said: “The number of people who came on board was breathtaking.

"We want to get bigger and better every week until this crisis is over.”

It comes after two NHS workers were revealed among the ­latest victims of Covid-19.

Consultant Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, refused to retire and continued to treat elderly patients.

He was the fifth frontline UK medical worker to die after catching the bug.

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And 57-year-old healthcare assistant Thomas Harvey died on Sunday after he was infected at Goodmayes Hospital, East London.

Friends claim the dad of seven was not given protective equipment and was not tested despite showing symptoms.

Yesterday the Government came under fresh fire over a lack of testing for NHS staff.

Chaos continued as workers desperate to know if they had the virus were turned away from a temporary testing centre at Ikea in Wembley, North West London, for not having the proper paperwork.

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MPs and experts urged Boris Johnson to launch a Dunkirk-style mobilisation of Britain’s labs, universities and pharmaceutical companies to build the tests Britain needs.

Just 2,000 frontline NHS staff have been formally swabbed for coronavirus.

Claims by the Government that a lack of essential chemicals was preventing more widespread testing were ridiculed by experts.

Meanwhile NHS data suggests that up to 1.7million Brits may have been struggling with the virus in the past fortnight.

Yesterday bankers were blasted by owners of struggling small businesses for not releasing loans to help them.

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