CLEAR blue skies ensured plane spotters were given a fantastic view of the “Thank U NHS” Spitfire as it flew over Warrington Hospital on Sunday morning.
The historic aircraft was covered with the names of 80,000 NHS staff, family members, neighbours and friends nominated by members of the public to recognise the huge sacrifices and acts of kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of the fund-raising initiative is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.
The fundraising campaign, which runs until September 20 to align with the Spitfire closing the show at the IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show, and has so far amassed more than £60,000.
The Spitfire took off from Duxford Airfield near Cambridge at 10am flying over Warrington Hospital at around 11am.
Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the blue Spitfire could clearly see the message “Thank U NHS” written across the underside of its wings.
Simon Constable, Chief Executive for Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals commented prior to the plane arriving, “We are absolutely delighted that this legendary aircraft is scheduled to fly over Warrington Hospital on Sunday as part of a tour of a number of hospitals across England. It is unique recognition during extraordinary times and we are very honoured.”
Donations can still be made online here: https://bit.ly/34I7h0f and all proceeds will go to NHS Charities Together.
Top picture shows the Spitefire flying over Old Hall captured by warrington-worldwide reader Paul Bryan and below it can be seen flying over Moore, captured by local photographer Eddie Whitham.
Picture Eddie Whitham
Picture Eddie Whitham
@BBCNWT @warringtonworld NHS Spitfire tribute over Warrington hospital pic.twitter.com/x2abEvIdpr
— Tony Marsh (@TonyMar01711733) August 30, 2020
Thank you so much wonderful Spitfire for the NHS salute this morning!! ❤️ @WHHCharity @WHHFTChair @WHHNHS @_ProjectWingman pic.twitter.com/pGegVNdgzj
— Pat McLaren (@Pat_McLaren) August 30, 2020
