Rallying to support NHS and crisis champions

From country cottages and glamping venues, and holiday parks to prestigious hotels, our industry put aside its own woes to support the NHS, care workers, and others in frontline roles. It’s involved everything from furloughed staff making scrubs at home to hotels handing over unused provisions to food banks.

What started as a ‘personal thank you’ offer of a free two-night stay posted on social media by Sarah White, owner of a Devon selfcatering property, grew into #TreatourNHS. It would be impossible to list everyone who’s taken part – and will continue to do so – but here we record just a few highlights.

As the prestigious One Aldwych in London re-opens, every weekend until 2020 ends will see two nominated NHS, care or emergency services staff enjoying a luxury stay, including afternoon tea and cocktails. By contrast, during 2021, Braddicks Holiday Centre at Westward Ho! in Devon will give away 21 holidays to NHS workers and their families at the lovely park next to the beach.

Many properties have given over rooms or letting properties to emergency employees so that they can be close to their workplace, and other treats have been arranged since lockdown started. The Lanesborough in London marked St George’s Day by delivering their limited-edition Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea to staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, and have other treats lined up for nominated NHS workers once fully operational.