ST Helens and Whiston Hospital staff have been visiting people across the borough to thank them for helping during the coronavirus pandemic - ahead of the 72nd Anniversary of the NHS.

The nation is set to celebrate the landmark this Sunday, particularly after the incredible work done by medical staff throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic.

To celebrate the nation is expected to do a clap for carers style applause outside their homes at 5pm.

To celebrate locally, Claire Simmo who is a Community Fundraiser at the hospital trust, is visiting one person or team a day in the run up to the anniversary to thank them for their support by giving them a bunch of flowers something the team are called #BiggestThanks

So far she has visited Sue Smith, from Rainhill, who visited Whiston Hospital A&E every week with cases of water and delivered home made cakes from her mum Ann.

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Sutton Academy's faculty lead for design and technology Chris Purcell, who got together an army of volunteers to make thousands of pounds worth of PPE for the hospital trust

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and professional darts player Mike Smith and his wife Dagmara, after they raised more than £5,000 for the hospitals by holding virtual darts matches and raffling off football memorabilia

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and finally 12 year old Hayden Davis - Captain of Newton Knights under 12s who decided to dribble a ball around Newton-le-Willows for four and a half hours raising money to buy toiletries for the patients at Newton and Whiston Hospitals.

Claire has two more visits to make tonight and tomorrow in the run up to the big day.

To check them out go to @whsospscharity on Facebook and Instagram.

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