Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the public has showed their thanks to the NHS for its incredible response. It has been the front line in treating and caring for patients during these intensely difficult times. People clapped every week on the doorsteps, donations were made; from 1 million teabags, lemon drizzle cakes left on a nurse’s doorstep to rainbow paintings in windows and hospital corridors. Everyone finding their own way to say thank you, and show their appreciation.
With the NHS 72nd birthday approaching, Oxton based florist, Nicola Saverimutto wanted to continue on her journey of thanks to the NHS by giving a living floral heart to Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust as a birthday gift. A perfect gift of gratitude to all the NHS staff at the Trust and across Wirral. The floral sculpture is to be installed at the Trust’s flagship site, St Catherine’s Health Centre in time for the birthday, and has been designed as a living installation providing joy for many months to come.
Nicola’s first floral heart was donated to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in time for Mother’s day. It was then at Easter moved to Arrowe Park Hospital and was redecorated with foraged foliage, donated sticks, willow and daffodils from Nicola’s neighbours and the community of the Wirral.
Nicola said: “If the heart symbolises anything it is the huge love and gratitude, that I along with everyone else in the Wirral has for our key workers – whether they be NHS staff, delivery drivers, street cleaners, refuse collectors, shop workers, emergency services, public transport workers, care workers or teachers. We thank them all, and hope that when they see the heart they feel our love and thanks in their hearts. A simple gesture during a very complicated time. Love is all you need.”
Karen Howell, Chief Executive at the Trust said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this beautiful floral gift from Nicola and her team for the NHS birthday. Our patients, visitors and staff will be able to enjoy seeing it every time they come to St Catherine’s Health Centre. It is a symbol of the care and love shown by NHS staff and the appreciation we have received from our communities. This year’s anniversary of the NHS is a special time of reflection and thanks to everyone who has supported us.”
The official unveiling of the floral heart was on Friday 3 July at 10.30am at St Catherine’s Health Centre, Birkenhead. The display will be lit up blue for the NHS over the birthday weekend.
We’d like to also say a big thank you to all of the local businesses for their support with this project; Arrowe Security, Arfon Rewinds Limited, the team at Bradshaw Electrical, Elerbanks, the staff at Elixir in Oxton, Steve McKay from McKay A & S Ltd and Savi Property Development.
