PRIME Minister Boris Johnson last night hailed Britain’s unsung heroes – and our campaign to thank them.
Referring to our Hail Your Hero pages — which over eight weeks have carried praise from readers for 1,000 stars of the Covid front line — the PM said: “The Sun on Sunday is absolutely right to hail these everyday extraordinary heroes, and I want to thank everyone who is working so hard to make life easier for all of us.
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“As the UK faces our biggest peacetime challenge, I have been personally moved by the many acts of kindness and bravery we have witnessed.
“From the incredible doctors and nurses in hospitals and care homes, to the shelf stackers, bus drivers, posties, binmen, teachers and volunteers, millions of people are coming together to support their communities and beat this disease.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “This campaign has shone a light on the everyday heroes who have helped us to face this crisis together. And I want to thank The Sun on Sunday for highlighting these inspirational stories and the selfless army of unsung heroes.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “When we beat this virus it will be because of the hard work and bravery of every key worker and every volunteer. They are the best of us.”
And acting Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “While most have done their bit by staying at home through the lockdown, millions have put themselves in danger to protect others. Their courage has made the whole country proud.”
Our Hail Your Hero campaign, which ends today, invited readers to thank some of the ordinary Brits doing extraordinary things during the pandemic.
From veterans helping hospital staff on the front line to children making PPE, all have gone that extra mile.
One poignant message today came from coronavirus survivor Anthony Doolan, 34, who simply wrote,
“Thank you for saving my life”, to East Midlands ambulance crews and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
A host of celebrities were keen to add their praise, too.
Blue singer Duncan James said: “What better way to end the campaign than with one reader saying, ‘Thank you for saving my life’. That takes your breath away.
“Thank you to all of you who have been named in the past eight weeks. Incredible.”
Actress Kym Marsh added: “Every single one of the 1,000 unsung heroes is incredible.
“The campaign has given us some good news in such difficult times.”
TV presenter Steph McGovern said: “A thousand amazing volunteers have helped Britain’s most vulnerable through the Covid-19 lockdown. We salute every single one of you.”
I’m A Celeb winner Vicky Pattison said: “The Hail Your Hero campaign has shone a light on 1,000 superstars. All the volunteers have put the Great back into Britain.
“I have been volunteering, getting food to vulnerable people. Working alongside Britain’s army of volunteers has been a humbling experience and I’m in awe of each and every one of them.
“Even though many of them have faced hardship themselves, they could not stand by and do nothing.
“Every volunteer in Britain is simply amazing. Well done.”
BGT judge Amanda Holden, who released debut single Over The Rainbow in support of NHS Charities Together, said: “The Sun on Sunday’s Hail Your Hero campaign has shone a light on people from every walk of life who are the best of British. On every street in Britain there is an unsung hero or heroine and this campaign has enabled them to be recognised.”
Boxing champ Frank Bruno added: “Respect to The Sun on Sunday’s Hail Your Hero campaign.
“Those named during the past eight weeks are the true heavyweight champions of our country.
“Seeing how the country has pulled together to fight back against coronavirus makes you proud to be British.”
Goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who won a record 125 England caps, said: “Well done to the Hail Your Hero campaign. The way people have come together to help one another is truly inspiring.
“We’ve seen the spirit of the Three Lions right across our country and it makes us all very proud.”
Lingerie company entrepreneur Michelle Mone added: “The Hail Your Hero campaign was a great idea. I’ve been so impressed and encouraged by how people have come together and stepped up to help others by using their skills and strengths or finding new ones.
“From carers moving into nursing homes to protect the residents, to people organising local food deliveries, there are unsung heroes all across the country — and I applaud each and every one of them.”
Olympic gold rower GREG SEARLE added: “The Hail Your Hero campaign has discovered 1,000 superstars, including Joy Jenkins, for Access Sport’s Team100 Volunteers. All of the Hail Your Hero superstars are simply amazing.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard said: “There’s a reason why we still are Great Britain and these people are it.
“Every person named in The Sun on Sunday’s Hail Your Hero campaign is incredible.
“Well done to each and every one of you.”
Reality star Imogen Thomas added: “I have had the privilege of volunteering with the NHS during the pandemic.
“I am so very proud of our front-line workers and volunteers, it’s been a humbling experience.
“Everyone who has been volunteering has played a role and it’s great the Hail Your Hero campaign highlights the many unsung heroes who have been helping and giving their time for free. Thank you.”
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