The NHS Workers Appeal

In February 2021 I launched an appeal to help our NHS workers. The text of the original appeal is below but the idea was to give us all the opportunity to make a donation to our NHS workers in the same way as we say thank you for the service at a restaurant, café, hairdresser or when we use a taxi i.e. we make a personal choice to leave a tip to say “thank you” for the service we have enjoyed and as an expression of our appreciation.

Now we are nearly a year on now and most of us have benefited from:

• 1st C-19 Jab
• 2nd C-19 Jab
• Booster C-19 jab

We also enjoyed a short period in the summer when things felt as though they were improving and that we may have beaten Covid. 

Throughout this period the pressure on our NHS workers did not relax. On the contrary the pressure has been relentless ..... and now it is clear that we have not yet beaten this horrible disease and it feels as though we we are back at the start all over again.

No apologies. I am asking again. 

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO SAY THANK YOU AND HELP OUR NHS WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO HAVE WORKED SO HARD AND ENDURED SO MUCH. 

Thank you in anticipation.

Happy New Year and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022. Stay safe.


Here is the message from the original appeal:

I've  had both Covid-19 “jabs”. My visits to the local NHS vaccination centre were well communicated and  the people on duty – many who were volunteers – were organised, helpful and polite. They clearly care deeply about what they are doing.

There was a short socially-distanced queue but the process worked well and took less than 30 minutes - 15 of which were spent in the “Observation Area” following the vaccination.

While waiting in the Observation Area I had an idea. A simple one but it may just allow us to give a little back to the NHS workers who are working so hard throughout this horrible pandemic whether directly on C-19 care or the wider case workload.

The idea?

When we visit a restaurant, coffee shop, hairdresser or use a taxi we often leave a tip for the people who serve us. This is a personal choice we make to say “thank you” for the service we have received and is a tangible and immediate expression of appreciation.

What if ….. there was the same opportunity for us to say “thank you” to the NHS workers that have worked so hard and endured so much simply because it's their job ... or because they have a sense of duty or … because they care?  Care about us. All of us. Strangers they have never met before yet immediately and unquestioningly look after …. for as long as it takes to make a difference.

That's it. Let's each give a tip to the NHS workers as a thank you for our "jabs" and for all they have done and continue to do for us.

This could make a real difference to the people who have put their lives on hold and themselves at risk … for us.  It would also be nice to know we are making a positive difference for them albeit minor compared to what they have done for us.

Imagine everyone donated just a few pounds each - say £1.00 per jab? It would make a huge difference.

Please give generously if you can.

Finally, but importantly, if you like this initiative and plan to make a donation PLEASE DO IT NOW. If you leave it until later you may forget. Please … please … do it now.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. Cash raised will directly benefit NHS workers  via The Healthcare Workers Foundation (HWF) – see details below.
2. This is NOT payment for the vaccination. The jabs are free and there is no requirement or expectation that you make a donation. This initiative simply gives you the opportunity to say “thank you” if you choose to.
3. For those who can afford to give more please do. It would be wonderful and greatly appreciated.
4. JustGiving have a minimum donation of £2.00. Apologies - not my choice.

What happens to the cash?

The Healthcare Workers’ Foundation (HWF - previously
known as HEROES).

The Healthcare Workers’ Foundation (HWF) was launched at the onset of C-19 to support NHS workers and cash raised has been used to supply NHS workers with visors, respiratory masks, hand sanitiser, therapy services, financial grants, hot meals, and much more. The HWF is committed to safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of our NHS workers by supporting initiatives that protects their physical and mental health.

The HWF is helping provide NHS workers with access to a range of free services including professional counselling, childcare and financial assistance.

The HWF is the charity most closely aligned with my desire to directly support NHS workers. 

Thank you so much. Robert

Inspired by the amazing Captain Sir Tom Moore