CHESHIRE’S recently appointed new High Sheriff Nick Hopkinson has delivered an Easter message praising front line workers and expressing sadness for isolated patients who can’t be visited by loved ones.
To try and bring some comfort he has donated more than 60 computer tablets to hospital wards in Warrington, Halton and Manchester in a bid to help ease fear and loneliness during these unprecdented times.
He said: ” Cometh the hour…..Cometh the man (or woman) – Never before has this old saying been more relevant.
“When the nation has thrown the greatest ever challenge at the emergency services you guys have not let the nation down…in fact you have and continue to demonstrate services run by courage, dedication and a spirit never seen before.
“The Queen said in her address to the nation last Sunday:’The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit.’
‘It will also be remembered as an expression of our sincerest appreciation to each and every one of you.
She also said:’The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.’
“As the Queen’s representative for law and order in Cheshire, I want to reinforce the Queen’s gratitude, the county’s gratitude and my own gratitude to all front line workers for making sure that the ones who get the dreaded Covid virus have a chance to enjoy their future. Every frontline worker plays central role in beating this virus.
“We all need to play our part now and continue to stay at home and give you all a fighting chance of success.
“You are all proving that the impossible is now the possible.
“This week I have been massively upset thinking about isolated patients not being able to receive visitors from loved ones. The fear of being alone when very ill is unimaginable and I was inspired to do my bit and provide some tablets for FaceTime or zoom calls. It took a while to find a meaningful number but eventually found 30 for the Manchester hospital wards and 35 for Warrington Halton. I hope they make a difference, I hope they ease the fear and loneliness for the patients and I hope in some way they help make the nurses jobs a little easier.
“If anyone can think of ways I can help you guys I will do my very best. You are a very special team of humans all doing extraordinary feats.
“I hope you all have a very hoppy Easter!
“Peace, love and saving lives.”
Sheriff Hoppy
Nick Hopkinson MBE DL
