Mystery supporters give their backing to our amazing key workers in Northumberland

Mystery messages of support for Northumberland’s emergency services are cropping up all over the county during the coronavirus crisis.
By Ben O'Connell
Published 14th Apr 2020, 11:26 BST
Updated 15th Apr 2020, 11:36 BST
The planting of the daffodils outside the Northumbria hospital, with Dr David Cowen, left.The planting of the daffodils outside the Northumbria hospital, with Dr David Cowen, left.
The planting of the daffodils outside the Northumbria hospital, with Dr David Cowen, left.

Last year, Dr David Cowen, an anaesthetist with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, had the idea of planting daffodils on the grassy bank outside the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care hospital in Cramlington, to enrich the grounds for staff and visitors.

Enlisting the help of Wendy Fail, who works for Groundwork North East & Cumbria, the pair bought thousands of bulbs out of their own pockets, as well as persuading Dr Cowen’s colleagues in orthopaedics to donate.

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Some of the flowers have now flourished, but while the NHS slogan that was planted hasn’t come up yet, someone else has mown a large THANK YOU into the grass below it.

The message hung outside Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in West Hartford.The message hung outside Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in West Hartford.
The message hung outside Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in West Hartford.

Wendy said: “In these times, I think David’s initiative needs to be highlighted. It’s really putting a smile on everyone’s face and lets all the amazing staff at Northumbria NHS how grateful we are for all their hard work.”

Meanwhile, someone has also put up a message of thanks outside Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in West Hartford.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley posted the picture on Twitter, writing: ‘To the person(s) who placed this directly opposite @NlandFRS HQ so our #NFRS,@N_landCouncil and @NEAmbulance staff see it as they drive in and out of work….. take a bow. A lovely gesture of support and thanks that means so much to staff thanks. #keyworkers’

A message from the Editor:

The message mown in the grass outside the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.The message mown in the grass outside the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
The message mown in the grass outside the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.

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Related topics:NorthumberlandNorthumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust