Spitfire 'lifts the spirits of those across the UK' as it flies in support of the NHS
A spitfire took to the skies over the weekend in a show of support for the NHS.
On its underside, it featured the words 'Thank U NHS' in recognition of the work of medical staff during the Coronavirus pandemic.
It flew over hospitals across the Midlands and the North West, taking in Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Royal Derby, the Royal Stoke, and Melton Mowbray hospital.
After it left the Midlands, it flew to the North West, flying over hospitals in Blackpool and Preston.
The flight had added significance for those who spotted it in Stoke-on-Trent as the spitfire was designed by the city's Reginald Mitchell.
This Spitfire was covered with the names of 80,000 NHS heroes - family members, neighbours and friends - nominated by members of the public.
However, some took to social media to describe the display an ‘empty gesture’, questioning why it was being done instead of giving NHS staff pay rises.
The spitfire is in fact being flown on several flights throughout the year by the Aircraft Restoration Company in aid of NHS Charities Together.
The fundraising page has reached almost £70,000 for the association that works with over 250 charities supporting the NHS.
Before Sunday’s take-off, the Aircraft Restoration Company said the gesture was being made to ‘lift the spirits of those across the UK’.
The government earlier this month pledged a share of £300 million to NHS trusts across the country to help them respond to winter pressures and the risk from further outbreaks of coronavirus.
There will be further NHS Spitfire flights throughout September.
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