Hundreds of 'thankyou' messages sent to unsung heroes of the Leeds community in winter health campaign

Run by the Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group it gives people a chance to recognise the city’s unsung heroes from all walks of life, such as unpaid carers, neighbours and community groups, as well as organisations.

The campaign was launched in December and runs until March where it is hoped that the 1800 messages that have been pledged to far can be topped up to reach 3,000.

Tim Ryley, Chief Executive for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’ve really enjoyed reading the messages of thanks that are coming in from people across Leeds, highlighting people or organisations in the city who keep Leeds going through winter and beyond. We’re really pleased that emergency services colleagues are supporting the Big Thank You campaign. We’re well on the way to meeting our target of getting 3,000 messages. If you haven’t had a chance to say thank you, do it today."

Messages posted just this week include "A big thank you to the jogger who stopped to tell me I’d dropped a glove yesterday" from Ed in LS8, "Thanks to the person who carried my pram up a huge flight of stairs yesterday! It was very kind of you to help" from Carrie-Ann and "A Big Thank You to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police - Thank you to all of the police officers and firefighters that came from all over the country for your hard work and determination to make sure all the residents and surrounding businesses were taken to safety during the Wakefield Speedibake fire on Saturday. There was a risk of asbestos but they continued to work hard and remain calm to protect the city" from a resident called Rebecca.

It comes as Yorkshire Ambulance Service and British Transport Police announce that they have got behind the campaign.

Temporary Chief Inspector Graham Bridges from British Transport Police added: “The period after Christmas is a time when people can feel quite low. A simple thank you is a great way of boosting someone’s spirits because it shows that you recognise and appreciate who they are and what they do.

“Whether it’s a relative or friend who is always there for you, a helpful bus driver or member of station staff, a friendly passenger on your daily commute – let them – and everyone else - know you notice what they do by saying thank you."

Nick Smith, executive director of operations for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, added: “We’re really pleased to be part of the ‘Big Thank You’ campaign again this year.

“This time of year is exceptionally busy for everyone in the emergency services. I’d personally like to say a huge thank you to all my colleagues who work so hard to keep people in Leeds safe and well.

“I’d also like to thank all our patients who take the time to get in touch. We receive many compliments from grateful patients every year and it really lifts our teams’ spirits."

You can share your message on the Big Thank You website - www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk or using the hashtag #BigThanksLeeds on social media.