You say your Big Thankyous to the NHS and the unsung heroes of Leeds

The Leeds Big Thank You campaign gives people a chance to show their appreciation for all the city’s heroes from all walks of life during the current coronavirus pandemic.

This could be anyone, for example, local shopkeepers and supermarket staff, delivery drivers and postal workers, refuse collectors and cleaners, emergency services and health care staff, teachers and chefs, community groups and volunteers, as well as friends, family, carers and neighbours.

In the last month alone, more than 500 people have taken to Twitter or the campaign website to post messages of appreciation for those involved in the city’s response to coronavirus and it is hoped that by the end of May there will have been 4,000 messages posted.

Some so far include Fiona Grady who said on twitter: "New studio, currently in lockdown in Leeds. Thank you to my lovely Mum who has allowed me to transform her kitchen in a temporary studio space."

There was praise for the boss of Alton Car Group in Cross Green. Central Leeds Primary Care Network said: "[We] want to thank the CEO at Alton Car Group in Cross Green. He has provided a car for our home visiting paramedic."

Leeds Recycles said: "Thank you to our men and women out there come rain or shine, making sure our black and green bins are still being collected. Perhaps leave them a bin-rainbow to help keep them going."

And of nursing staff, Jacqui said: "You have taken care of me for the last 10 years and continue to do so during my cancer journey and do so for so many more cancer patients too. We will always need our wonderful NHS and owe our lives to you. We will stay in and please all of you angels – stay well. Hope everyone is finding some therapy through art during these strange times. Take care."

Coun Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said “This is an incredibly challenging and stressful time for all of us. But at a time when most of us are staying home to stay safe, thousands of staff and volunteers are out in the community, doing absolutely essential work to keep the city running, educate our children, feed us, keep us safe and look after us.

“We want to make sure that every single person who is going above and beyond during these extraordinary times knows how much we appreciate and value their work. Or you might just want to say thank you to your neighbours or family members who are there for you when it matters the most.

“There has never been a better time to recognise the key workers, carers and volunteers in our communities so I’d urge everyone to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to them."

To record your messages of thanks and why visit the website www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk or use the hashtag #BigThanksLeeds on social media.

Hannah Davies is the Chief Excutive of Healthwatch Leeds. She added: “There are so many thank yous that we want to express right now. From frontline NHS and care workers through to everyone working in care homes, those offering essential homecare, all the community groups and volunteers through to those people keeping our city going whether it be the bin men, food delivery people, people working in retail.

“It really feels like we are all in this together, a whole city effort to look after each other at this time. We’re really pleased to support this campaign that shares those messages of thanks for all the amazing people of our city.”