ONE of Halton’s most recognisable landmarks will light up blue for a very special reason today, Saturday.

The Mersey Gateway Bridge will be illuminated in blue to mark the anniversary of the foundation of the NHS 73 years ago today.

It will join other landmarks across the UK such as Wembley arch, the Liver Building, Salisbury Cathedral and vaccination centres in going blue.

The illumination will also recognise the huge contribution of health service staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Landmarks were encouraged to light up in solidarity with the NHS for last year’s 72nd birthday, and this year vaccination sites are also being encouraged to take part to acknowledge the vital role they have played for the NHS and the country.

NHS chief people officer Prerana Issar said: “Each of the colleagues who sadly died while caring for and protecting patients represents an irreplaceable gap in a family and a workplace.

“I encourage everyone to take a moment on Saturday to reflect and remember.

“It is no exaggeration to say that health service staff have helped to keep the country going during the pandemic, and NHS staff have rightly been celebrated for their contribution.

“But we know that the role played by other key workers – people keeping supermarkets open, refuse collectors, child carers and other public services – as well as the resilience of the general public, has helped ensure we can start to move forward.

“The best way for everyone to say thank you to NHS staff and other key workers is to join the tens of millions of others who have so far had their first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccination, and book your jabs today.”

This was echoed by NHS England chief nursing officer Ruth May, who added: “It has been an extremely challenging year for the country and for NHS staff in particular.

“It is important we reflect on our achievements with pride and recognise the dedication and commitment of our amazing people who have made huge sacrifices, especially those who sadly lost their lives.

“It has also been a year of hope with the success of our world-leading vaccination programme now in its final push, and our 73rd birthday is a chance to celebrate that and say a huge thank you to our staff, our army of volunteers, and our local communities for working so hard to deliver the extraordinary rollout.

“This is a moment not only for the country to record gratitude for the NHS, but I think for all of us in the NHS to say thank you to everybody who has helped us, help you.”