"Thank You NHS" events tomorrow

Tomorrow is the 72nd birthday of the NHS. 

It will be marked by a once off return - proposed to become annual - of "Clap for carers" plus a minute's break in transmission by the major broadcasters, and everyone is encouraged to put a candle or light in their window to mark those who have died from COVID-19.

The original Clap for Carers began at the start of lockdown with members of the public applauding from their doorsteps and windows every Thursday at 8pm to honour NHS staff, supermarket workers, teachers and other frontline employees who were instrumental in the fight against Covid-19.

Annemarie Plas, the founder of Clap for Carers, eventually called for the event to come to a close after its 10th consecutive week, saying it should end while “at its peak” and it finished with a particularly well supported tenth round.

Now, in celebration of the 72nd anniversary of the NHS, it is making a comeback. which it has been suggested should become an annual event on the birthday of our health service.

To mark the occasion, members of the public are being asked to come out of their homes and join a nationwide clap at 5pm (even if you have a hangover from the pubs reopening today).

Broadcasters will also reportedly suspend transmission for a minute as a sign of respect for the NHS.

Public buildings, including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch will also be lit up in blue to mark the occasion.

Instead of Clap for Carers the event is being called the "Thank You NHS" clap.

After the clap, people are being encouraged to share a (socially distanced) cup of tea or food with their friends and neighbours.

People have also been asked to put a candle or a torch in their window in memory of all those who have died from coronavirus.

The open letter which proposed this event said that

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to the nurses, doctors, physios, porters, cleaners, and countless others who have delivered for patients and their families along with all those in the care sector.”

The letter also emphasised the key role the NHS has played throughout its 72-year history, “treating everyone regardless of the ability to pay”.

It has been suggested that the should become an annual tradition in the UK, with the nation marking 5th July by applauding the NHS