TODAY I have decided to use my column to muster support for an annual ‘Clap For Our Carers Day’ once the dreaded coronavirus pandemic finally loosens its grip on the country.
Like many people, I have proudly joined in with the applause up and down the country for National Health Service doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters as well as nursing home and other healthcare staff on the front line of the battle against coronavirus.
The support for the NHS from some of the most famous people on the planet — including Take That star Gary Barlow, footballer Cesc Fabregas, presenters Ant and Dec, England footballing legend David Beckham, boxer Anthony Joshua, Australian star Kylie Minogue, Elton John and musician Billie Eilish — has clearly meant much to those incredible people on the frontline.
But while of course some do good deeds behind the scenes, in general terms if truth be told where were all these voices and support for the NHS before the coronavirus’s life-taking arrival?
The carers were doing the same job then, but mostly unheralded.
Such is the impact of coronavirus that I believe in the future all of us should take time out to thank those who look after us, often for very little cash reward.
So I propose that in 2021 those in power should put a date in the diary where one evening we all once again ‘Clap for Our Carers’. And the concept would continue year on year.
I’d personally promote it as an evening where we all remember those who have been, and who sadly continue to be, taken by coronavirus, but equally celebrate the people who have so bravely helped us all through this war against the invisible enemy.
In could be similar to Remembrance Day, when we remember of course the incredible troops who died in war — yet perhaps more of a celebration at the same time.
Then, many of us proudly wear our poppies with contributions – often edging towards £50million – going towards the British Legion and armed forces charities.
In similar vein, I am sure the annual ‘Clap for Our Carers’ could feature the production of rainbow badges, with all proceeds going to the NHS.
In my mind I picture the British public having street parties up and down the country, as they show their respect for those who have lost lives during the current pandemic and celebrate those who saved so many.
There are legions of people who deserve our respect during the current crisis.
A friend of mine, Reena, works in a pharmacy. The other day I thanked her for the great work she is doing. She was clearly surprised, and wrote this to me: “Thank you SO much, I really do appreciate it.
“Pharmacy staff are often forgotten as frontline NHS workers and we are just as overwhelmed as hospital A&E at the moment. On account of doctors’ surgeries being closed for walk-in sick, patients often use us as first point of contact.”
Like the aftermath of the Great War and World War Two, the repercussions of coronavirus will be felt by all of us for many years to come. — both in terms of lives lost and financial hardship.
While many are doing sterling work in supporting carers in our community, I just don’t believe as a nation we can just go back to taking so much for granted from those who often do life-supporting, life-caring and life-saving jobs.
If nothing else, this coronavirus pandemic has surely been a lesson to us all to take much less for granted and to appreciate much more what we have and what many selfless people do on a daily basis.
I for one will look at things in a different way. And I suspect many of you will as well.
As a horse-racing presenter and journalist on ITV and Sky Sports I fully appreciate that much of life is a gamble. Please join with me in support of an annual ‘Clap for Our Carers’ in a bid to show our respect and put the odds back in favour of those who look after us all.
Thank you.
