A stunning rainbow appeared over the Johnson Hospital last night as NHS staff were given special thanks through the Spalding COVID Kindness Team and local businesses.
As part of the 8pm clap for the NHS, the community group formed by volunteers showed their appreciation for the staff that work in the hospital and provided them with goody bags and flowers sourced from generous local companies.
Handmade bags courtesy of For The Love of Scrubs Spalding had also been coloured in by children including six-year-old Hallie Jeffery who also blew her horn for the minute’s clap alongside mum Lesa and dad Michael.
Hot only were the the NHS staff greeted outside the Pinchbeck Road hospital by a huge HGV lorry from FreshLinc expressing its thanks for their work, but they were also treated to the rainbow in the sky which has become the symbol of adversity during the COVID-19 crisis.
After the 8pm applause observed while social distancing, those in attendance all sang Happy Birthday to the now Colonel Tom Moore whose fundraising exploits have raised over £32m for the NHS.
In a short speech afterwards, Kindness team volunteer and local councillor Rob Gibson, said: “We are the Spalding and Pinchbeck COVID kindness team and we wanted to join you this week.
“We have been moved by the work you have been doing and currently feel saddened by the loss of your colleague Anuj Kumar from Pilgrim Hospital.
“During the last few weeks we have, collected medication and prescriptions, collected shopping, phone calls to those that are vulnerable and lonely and sprinkled the town with thousands of acts of kindness
“We wanted to spread some kindness with our local NHS heroes and that is why we are here.
“From all of us at the COVID kindness group we thank you for what you do now and all year round.”
Speaking after picking up her home pack and flowers, junior sister Tracey Hallam, said: “It was a little over-whelming and very moving.
Staff nurse Jackie Bavin, added: “It brought a tear to me eye. It’s very much appreciated.”
On behalf of the hospital, sister Sally Brown thanked staff, the volunteers and businesses for their support and help.
She said: “Tonight was a double celebration for all of the staff as it was to thank them for working so hard and also to say happy birthday to Colonel Tom Moore and to thank him for what he’s done and his support for the NHS.
“We also wanted to say thank you to all of the local businesses and groups who have supported us through donations and offering sport.
“We’re all a bit overwhelmed at the reaction. I think everyone in the community is getting to the point where they need a lift and this has absolutely done that for us at the hospital.”
The full list of those who donated: Sainsbury’s, B&M Spalding, Vicci Tyler and Kath Easley for home made mask mates, Rachel Baresford of Muchkins Nursery donated hand cream, Baytree Nurseries, tulips donated by Bridge Farm, Lidl, Morrison’s, Pacey’s Spalding, Country Kitchen Cakes, Homelea Bakery, FreshLinc for the trailer, RG Laser Cutting who donated hands free door openers. Molsom Opticians who donated bags, For the Love of Scrubs Spalding and Sue Foster who donated wash bags, Liz and Molly of Knatter and Knitter along with Geraldine, Jayne, Kath, Helen and Sue who created Knitted Chicks, Abbey Print and designer Annika Tomblin as well as a host of school children who coloured the designs on the bags in.
The FreshLinc van at the hospital 
The Spalding COVID Kindness Team 
Clapping for the NHS 
Johnson Hospital nurse Liz Hallissey is pictured with daughters Rosie (10) and Molly (14) 
Kindness team volunteers Michael, Lesa and Hallie Jeffery (6) 
The FreshLinc van 
An example of the goodie bags provided 
Councillors Rob Gibson and Jack McLean 
The packs awaiting collection 
Knitted chicks by the Knatter and Knitter group 
An egg-cellent donation from B&M 
Another donation from B&M 
Hallie Jeffrey (6) 
Annika Tomblin designed these thank you notes for the bags provided by Abbey Print
