Schoolboy in heartfelt call for annual NHS day in online petition

Child's call for annual celebration to show thanks and remember frontline NHS staff who lost their lives fighting Covid-19.

A Rowley Regis schoolboy has launched a campaign for a national NHS day to thank health workers for their dedication and bravery during the coronavirus outbreak.

Harvey, a year seven pupil at the Rowley Regis secondary, is asking people to sign his online petition calling for an annual celebration to show their gratitude and remember frontline staff who lost their lives fighting Covid-19.

He said he started the petition after hearing of so many deaths on the news.

“I cannot image how difficult it is for NHS staff saving lives but to also witness people losing their lives,“ he said.

“The clap for carers on Thursday shows how united we have become to show our thanks and appreciation.

“I hope we can all come together again by signing this petition to support our NHS every year.

“Let’s be kind and let’s be brilliant to our brilliant NHS.”

The youngster’s heartfelt plea has won the backing of local politicians.

Describing Harvey as ‘an extraordinary young man’ Cllr Yvonne Davies, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “The council is backing the idea of having a day to celebrate all of the individuals who have been there for all of us through this crisis.

“So many people have sacrificed a huge amount to make sure the rest of us are safe and looked after – our NHS staff, our carers, our binmen and women, all our bus drivers and all of those important workers.”

Cllr Danny Millard, deputy leader of the council, is urging people to back Harvey’s campaign.

“The NHS do a fantastic job and have faced such a terrible time through the pandemic so a day to celebrate each and every NHS worker seems fitting. It’s also great to see the younger generation leading the way.”

Over 400 people have signed the petition which can be reached at http://chng.it/zCsjDbVd