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At 8pm last night, hundreds of families emerged briefly from self-isolation to celebrate the life-saving work of NHS staff during the coronavirus crisis.

The Clap For Carers campaign saw people stand in doorways, gardens, at windows and on balconies, in a city-wide round of applause, to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to our NHS workers.

Judging from the thunderous ovation across the city, the staff at Preston Royal Hospital will no doubt have felt (and heard!) the love and appreciation.

With fireworks illuminating the sky, the deserted streets came to life with people banging pots and pans, whistling, cheering, clapping and shouting "thank you NHS!" into the night.

"During these unprecedented times, they need to know we are grateful", said the organisers for the Clap For Carers campaign.

And according to NHS staff, Preston certainly did not disappoint, with the city-wide applause echoing across the night to the wards of Royal Preston Hospital.

Elizabeth Miller, an NHS worker, said: "This NHS worker was overwhelmed by the display. Thank you Preston and stay safe."

NHS staff at Royal Preston Hospital were honoured with a round of applause by members of the public outside the Emergency Department

"Wow just wow," began A&E nurse Craig Leathard.

"I’ve stood on many ambulance bays and shed sad tears over the years, but tonight that was different.

"I cannot tell you just how special, connected and proud that made us feel to ‘Our’ communities tonight.

"Thank you so much. Human kindness, that’s how we win."

The thunderous applause could even be heard from the wards at Royal Preston Hospital

"We joined in on the show of appreciation at Lostock View," said Ben Wignall in Lostock Hall.

"Was very nice to hear all the claps, whoops and hollers from around the area and the fireworks going off.

"Thank you to all the emergency services that keep this country ticking in this time of need!"

Angela Crook, also from Lostock Hall, said: "Very emotional. How good is it that as a country we are all coming together?"

People across the city emerged from self-isolation to show their support for NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis

Charlotte Cookson, whose father is a paramedic, said she was overwhelmed to see the level of support on the street outside her Bamber Bridge home.

"My dad and next door neighbours are paramedics and he’s asked me to say thank you to everyone for clapping, they found it very overwhelming the sheer amount of people cheering for the NHS!

"Very emotional and very thankful, such a hard time for everyone involved, we just wanted to let you know that it had genuinely lifted their spirits and made their week!"

John Hawks, from Cottam, added: "Totally stunned by the number of folk out and clapping. Reassuring that folk value the NHS so very much."

"It was an emotional experience for me too just being part of the clapping," said Dawn Stephens from Ashton.

"I love it when we all come together in appreciation. We all appreciate them more than we ever have. Keeping us safe when they're not. Amazing!"

Preston stands united to say 'Thank You' to city's NHS heroes

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