Why we are saluting the nation's #healthheroes - the YEP says

The YEP today celebrates our health heroes across Leeds - here's why.
Zoe Dunphy is an Associate Community Matron for Leeds Community Healthcare.Zoe Dunphy is an Associate Community Matron for Leeds Community Healthcare.
Zoe Dunphy is an Associate Community Matron for Leeds Community Healthcare.

There is something very special about today.

For the last two Thursday evenings at 8pm the sound of applause has rung out loudly across out streets to celebrate those who are on the front line of the nation's fight against Coronavirus.

It's a simple gesture - but one that captures that heart-felt praise to everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles.

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And that message was echoed by Her Majesty The Queen only earlier this week as she praised the "dedication to service" of nurses, midwives and other health workers during the coronavirus outbreak in a message to mark World Health Day.

She added: "In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all."

That was never more true here, in our wonderful city of Leeds.

We know that is so because you have told us. You have spoken of your pride in the NHS; you have shared your thoughts and photos of those on whom we have rarely depended more; you have confessed to shedding a tear when the 93-year-old mother of the nation represented us all in her address from Windsor Castle.

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So today, in this special newspaper edition and on our website, we celebrate all the local heroes in our region.

At the same time, we join forces with our sister titles across the UK in amplifying the message: #HealthHeroes.

On the NHS front line and for shop workers, refuse collectors, carers and those that keep the nation functioning, every second has never counted more, been more demanding, piled more stress and pressure on those committed to serving us.

The Queen spoke directly to these modest saviours: “I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.”

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Well today we do assure you. More than that, from the very bottom of our hearts we thank you.

And as we each discharge the safest and simplest of tasks of staying at home, in the silence of our thoughts we salute you too.

Each and every single one of you is a hero to us - whether you are on the front line or not.

And that is why we are proud to show just how grateful the city of Leeds and in fact the nation is for your remarkable efforts and this extraordinary time.