'Biggest thank you' weekend details revealed

The clap for carers at Leeds General Infirmary on May 28. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

An “epic pause for applause” will take place at 5pm on Sunday July 5 as the nation is urged to take part in the biggest thank you on the birthday of the NHS.

As previously reported by the Yorkshire Post, the country is being asked to thank those helping us through the pandemic next weekend.

Broadcasters will suspend normal transmissions at 5pm as people across the country pause what they’re doing to think of others. People will be encouraged to share a drink with their neighbours and reflect on the bonds cemented throughout lockdown.

On Saturday evening, July 4, everybody will asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of those we have lost during the pandemic. Public buildings will be lit up in NHS blue, including Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch.

NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens, said: “During this testing time our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers.

“No health service, not even the NHS, could have coped alone with this coronavirus pandemic.”