NHS heroes in Royal Variety spotlight

Fifteen staff from the Trust, performing as the NHS Voices of Care Choir, joined Michael Ball to sing a moving rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone in the top of the bill slot at the Royal Variety Performance recorded at Blackpool’s Opera House.

The show, hosted by comedian Jason Manford with a virtual audience for the first time and a video message from the Prince of Wales, will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday, December 8 at 8pm.

The choir was put together by James Hawkins, music producer and founder of the NHS Voices of Care Choir, who earlier this year released the chart topping single with Michael Ball and Colonel Sir Tom Moore in light of the 100 year-old raising millions of pounds for NHS Charities Together.

James said: “The choir are an inspiration and their performance will leave viewers feeling, like me, uplifted and immensely proud of all NHS workers countrywide.

“The choir’s performance is a fine display of teamwork, community purpose, heart and hope at its best.

“This won’t be the last you hear from this very special group of people.”

All of the Trust’s participants were thrilled to be given the opportunity to appear in such a prestigious show, especially following this difficult year dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alma Stewart, 50, from Freckleton, a senior communications officer at the Trust, said: “As a part-time entertainer, I have been dreaming of this since I was five years old, so to be able to be part of such an iconic show, especially with such fantastic colleagues, is literally a dream come true.

"It was one of the best experiences of my life and everyone we met was so kind - amazing.”

Kirsty Murray, 44, from Staining, a neonatal nursery nurse, said: “It was an honour and a pleasure to perform on behalf of all the dedicated and hard-working NHS staff.”

Jenny Brand, 30, a midwife from Fleetwood, said: “The whole experience was amazing - and performing with such an incredible group of people made it even better. I’m feeling very proud to be part of the NHS.”

Luke Sumner, 39, from Blackpool, a Senior Charge Nurse in Cardiac Intensive Care, said: “Being able to take part in one of the world’s most prestigious performances and representing the NHS was an absolute honour. Sending out a message of hope in such dark times in an unforgettable way, is a memory I will hold forever.”

Giles Cooper, chairman of the Royal Variety Charity, said: “On behalf of the Royal Variety Charity I would like to express my sincere thanks to the 'Voices of Care Choir' for taking part in the Royal Variety Performance.

“2020 has shown that our NHS is the cornerstone of our country, and we are indebted to everyone who works for it in any capacity.

“It was thrilling to see and hear the 'Voices of Care Choir' take centre stage at the Opera House in Blackpool and become part of Royal Variety Performance history.”

This year’s performers include Gary Barlow , Stephen Mulhern and Melanie C. Prince Charles recorded a special message as under current restrictions, he was unable to be there in person.

The choir also included members of staff from Royal Preston Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.