Clap for Carers: How South Tyneside showed its support for key workers

At 8pm on Thursday, March 26 families across South Tyneside, the North East and the UK took to their doorsteps, back gardens and windows to put their hands together in honour of our NHS workers, who are fighting on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative, which gathered pace and was hugely supported on social media, saw the heartwarming sound of clapping ring out across the borough as we all paid tribute to those working hard to keep us safe.

Designed in honour of NHS workers and carers, many also used the moment to recognise other key workers across a range of sectors who are keeping the country moving during new lockdown measures imposed by the Government this week.

As you put your hands together, many of you got in touch with the Shields Gazette on Facebook to share your own touching messages.

This is what you said:

Sarah Louise Coyne: “Thank for everyone that's risking their lives to look after us all and for leaving your families behind so we can be safe. You're all amazing.”

Chloe Saeed: “Thank you everyone risking their lives to save lives.”

Nicola Dron: “Such an amazing and emotional thing.”

Gemma Brown: “Thank you to everyone working in the NHS and all those other key workers.”

Melissa Griffiths: “Thank you everybody in the NHS. You’re doing the country proud.”