Blackpool Victoria Hospital heroes are literally given a 'big hearted' thank you

A large red light-up heart has been installed to honour NHS workers who have tirelessly and bravely tackled the pandemic head-on.

It arrived in the resort - the first stop of a UK-wide tour - after the Vic, in Whinney Heys Road, treated Robert Stalker, one of the bosses at the firm that built it, last year.

The artwork will stand in the hospital's mezzanine area, near the main entrance, until Monday before it is moved elsewhere to "share some love and thank key workers and customers for everything during these strange times", commercial lighting company Blachere Illumination, which is headquartered in France but has a base in Scotland, Gloucester, and Wakefield, said.

Yvonne Widdows, head of facilities at the Vic, said: "It’s a striking piece of art and we’re delighted our mezzanine can play host to it.

“People are stopping to take a look and it’s become a great addition to the area – we’ll be sad to see it go.”

Katherine Owen, official 'heart tour coordinator' for Blachere Illumination, added: “It was extremely important to us that Blackpool Victoria Hospital was the first hospital location for the heart.

“We deliberately waited until beginning of January as this marks the anniversary of the hospital saving the life of our director Robert Stalker.

"The entire country is indebted to NHS staff especially during these unprecedented times, and this is our small token gesture to show our appreciation.

“It was extremely heart-warming to see how well it was received by the staff when we delivered it.”

And Mr Stalker said: "Choosing Blackpool Victoria as the first hospital means the world to me. I will always be grateful for the dedicated attention I received from the staff during my time as a patient.”

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