A big thank you to all of Harrogate's lockdown heroes

Incredible £395,000 lifeline for Harrogate Theatre

Since the lockdown came into effect in March, our community has pulled together like never before, adhering to the social distancing rules and ensuring services are in place to help anyone who is struggling.

For that, the Harrogate Advertiser wants to say a huge thank you. But it is not just us who are grateful - the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has not only thanked all its amazing frontline staff for their dedication, but also the general public for their perseverance during such difficult times.

As the NHS celebrated its 72nd anniversary earlier this week, staff at the trust joined in with a nation-wide applause to thank everyone who has helped the NHS respond to coronavirus.

Chief executive Steve Russell said: “It was a pleasure to join colleagues to celebrate everything the NHS stands for, its values and purpose.

“The NHS could not have responded to the challenges we have faced over the last few months without the commitment and skills of its people including the dedicated team of staff at Harrogate and District Foundation Trust.

Harrogate welcomes new £30 billion economic package but concern for future remains

“On a personal level, I would like to thank our staff who have gone above and beyond, continuing to provide care at the very highest level whilst having to adapt to new challenges and new ways of working.”

Steve said he had never been prouder of his teams, and called the NHS the “sparkling jewel in the crown of the country” - something which has been proven by the way its staff have stepped up and worked around the clock to look after those suffering throughout the pandemic.

He added: “Every week of the pandemic, the local community has shown love and appreciation for their local NHS and carers. A huge thank you for this overwhelming support. It has meant a great deal to staff at the Trust to be valued and supported in this way.

“And a big thank you also to all the people, organisations and community groups who have done so much to support the Trust during these difficult times.

“People have stepped up in ways we have never seen before and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has played a part in the response to the crisis.”

Dr Sarah Marsh, a consultant on the Intensive Care Unit at Harrogate District Hospital, said the experience has been incredibly emotional.

She said: “It has been overwhelming to see how much support we have been given during all of this.

“We don’t consider ourselves heroes, we are just doing our jobs, but the outpouring of love for us all and seeing how highly regarded we are has been breathtaking.

Harrogate cabinet member blasts Lib Dems over carbon emissions criticisms

“Caring for people in their time of trouble is the only reward we need.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.