READERS have been saying their thanks to Worcestershire’s unsung heroes on NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers day.

The day is being held for the first time today (July 5) on the anniversary of the creation of the National Health Service - which this year marks 73 years.

Readers have been saying their thanks for the amazing work of the many key workers and unsung heroes, and also remembering those who sadly lost their lives to the virus.

Julz Roxx named Rebecca Williams for recognition saying: “For working through the pandemic with Covid patients, 12 hour shifts, an hour drive there and back and to have the worry of risking bringing Covid home to her two kids and husband.

“We think she’s amazing.”

Alina Lingard named Maxine Sherwood McDonald saying she was her ‘unsung NHS hero’ adding: “For the kindness she showed when my mother was admitted with Covid in March 2020.

“We couldn’t see my mother but knowing that Maxine took the time to sit and talk to her meant the world to us. Thank you Maxine, you’re a star.”

Dino Zacchi thanked: “All of those responsible for taking care of me when I was struck down not just once but twice by Covid recently. Respect.”

Tony Hayward said: “Everyone who has worked for the NHS and all key workers from other sectors are heroes.”

Antony Fahy added: “Every single member of staff from top to bottom of that hospital are all unsung heroes with everything they do.”

Several dedicated NHS workers in Worcestershire died while fighting the disease.

Julie Omar, a nurse from Malvern, was self-isolating at home with coronavirus symptoms when she died.

52 year-old Mrs Omar had been working as a sister on Ward 14 at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, and had also worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the past.

Much-loved consultant, Dr Vishna Rasiah died from coronavirus at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Dr Rasiah’s wife Liza said: “We’re devastated at losing our beloved Vish. He was such a loving husband and father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn, and much loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad.

“I would like to thank the staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for the kindness, compassion and the care that they have provided to us.”

Also in April last year was the sad news nurse Jodon Gait died from coronavirus. The 46 year-old had been caring for Worcester people for more than 15 years and was given a guard of honour at his funeral held at the Vale Crematorium in Pershore.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said at the time of his death: “Jodon was a dedicated and highly experienced health care assistant who had been with us for just over 12 months, working on the Medical Short Stay Unit at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“Colleagues who worked most closely with him describe Jodon as a dedicated, passionate, caring colleague, a quirky character who always put patients at the centre of everything he did.

“Carers across the county played a huge part in the battle to save people from Covid-19.”

The special day recognising doctors, nurses, care workers as well as shop staff, teachers, delivery men and and bin men, is also raising money for the charities NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association.