NHS Thank you postcard competition winners announced

Winning artistic creations showing gratitude to NHS staff for their ongoing dedication and care during the COVID-19 pandemic have been unveiled by a panel of judges.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) challenged young people to come up with a postcard design to show their appreciation during the national lockdown period in April.

The competition, sponsored by Lincoln-based businesses Selenity and Ruddocks, offered prizes for the best designs across four age categories.

The winners are:

• Age 4-6 category - Jayden Carter (6), Upwell Academy
• Age 7-10 category- Daniel Harrison (10), Bassingham Primary School
• Age 11-14 category - Alice Keeling (14), Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle
• Age 15-18 category - Abi Parsons (16), Tuxford Academy Sixth Form

LCHS chief executive Maz Fosh said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter this competition. The messages and gestures of support we have received over the last few months, while our staff work in very difficult circumstances, have been truly humbling and we have been bowled over by the wonderful creations sent in for the competition. I am proud to say the winning designs will soon be brightening up the walls of our offices, hospitals and clinics as a permanent reminder of how our NHS colleagues and our wider communities have come together to support each other.”

Neil Everatt, chief executive officer of Selenity, said: “It has been a privilege to show our support for the amazing people that make the NHS what it is.”

Ruddocks managing director Paul Banton added: “We were delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative to thank and recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism the NHS provide in caring for the nation, not only through this pandemic but every day, year after year.”

Each winner will receive a £25 Amazon voucher, a framed copy of their printed postcard and 20 copies of their design to share with family and friends.

When asked about their designs, the winners said:

“Jayden entered this competition as we were teaching him how brilliant the NHS were during this world wide pandemic,” explained mum Chloe.

Daniel’s mum Dee said: “When I asked him why thought it was important to enter he said, ‘because all the people who work in the NHS have been working so hard for us’.”

Alice told of her love of drawing and painting: “I especially like portraits. I’ve never entered any competitions before but I’m glad I did this time and it’s nice to be part of the thank you message. I also love reading and I’ll be buying myself books with the prize.”

Abi explained how she entered to use some of her time during lockdown thanking those working hard to keep others safe. She said: “As both of my parents work for the NHS I know how much of a contribution they make on a daily basis and that has only increased from the start of this pandemic. I think this is a time where people should join together in their message to support the NHS and I thought this would be the best way to show how truly grateful I am.”

A further seven runners up will receive a £10 Amazon voucher and a framed print of their design.

They are: Isla Anderson (6), Effie Hubbert (4), Isobel Thackray (9), Amber Barkworth (10), Jasmine D (13), Francesca Green (14) and Mollie Tunnicliffe (18).

The judging panel included Maz Fosh, Neil Everatt, Tracy Pilcher (LCHS director of nursing, AHPs and operations/deputy chief executive), Ceri Lennon (LCHS director of people and innovation), Rosie Royce (LCHS Macmillan clinical nurse specialist) and Katie Macey (LCHS organisational development coordinator).