Loud and proud: Brits celebrate NHS heroes with ‘final’ Clap for Carers

Brits took to their doorsteps for the last official round of Clap for Carers to show support for care staff and frontline workers.

The event, which has taken place every Thursday since March 26, has seen people across the UK join in a public display of unity and gratitude.

However, organiser Annemarie Plas has called for this round to be the last, saying it is “it is good to stop it at its peak”.

“Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised,” she said.

“I think the narrative is starting to change and I don’t want the clap to be negative.”

 Annemarie Plas shared in a final official show of gratitude (AP)
AFP via Getty Images

Despite expressing gratitude at the widespread tribute, some NHS staff have shared mixed feelings about its broader purpose.

Many have suggested it does not go far enough to help health workers during the pandemic, with protesters calling for better funding for services and salary increases for staff members.

NHS doctor Meenal Viz said on Twitter: “As a doctor, I’ve appreciated your support during Clap for Carers.

“But instead of clapping tonight at 8pm, I’ll observe silence in remembrance of my 237 colleagues who have died during the pandemic.”

Clap for Carers: Thursday, May 21

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The Prime Minister, who took part in the event from the steps of Number 10, praised the work of "selfless" NHS staff.

Tweeting a video of his own round of applause, Boris Johnson wrote: “Today’s clap for carers marks 10 weeks of celebrating our wonderful NHS and carers in this way.

“I want to thank each and every one of our wonderful NHS and care workers for the incredible, selfless work they do to look after us all.”

He was joined by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in marking the final round with a public message of thanks.

Sir Keir tweeted: “Thank you to every single person that has kept our country going through this crisis. Your work and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

While his deputy Angela Raynor called for a “loud rowdy” tribute. “It’s the final #ClapForCarers tonight at 8pm, let’s make it a loud rowdy one,” she wrote on Twitter.

“They have been tremendous during this coronavirus pandemic along with so many other key workers caring for the many. Some have sadly died whilst caring for us all and we shall never forget them.”

Piers Morgan, known for his often outspoken political commentaries, shared a similar call for a "loud and proud" show of gratitude.

He tweeted: Last (for now) #clapforcarers tonight. Make it loud, make it proud, & show all our NHS & care worker heroes how much we value their extraordinary hard work & courage during this crisis."

Meanwhile, fellow TV star Kate Garraway shared a moving message to health workers as her husband Derek continues to battle coronavirus.

Alongside a video of her children banging drums, she said that the gesture has been “a source of weekly comfort”.

Garraway that she “felt the tears come tonight to think it’s coming to an end before Derek’s ordeal with us”.

She added: “But whether we clap or not next Thursday my eternal thanks to all in the NHS goes on.

“They are keeping Derek alive and every one of them is fighting as hard as Derek is to give us the chance to be reunited.”

“It’s not easy but when I think of how hard Derek is fighting and the bravery of all in the NHS it helps.”

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