South Shields family pays tribute to NHS with sign outside house

A family has paid an emotional tribute to NHS staff working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic as their great-grandmother returns home from hospital.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sheila Walker was given a great welcome as she returned to her home on the Harton Moor Estate in South Shields six weeks after having a stroke.

The 63-year-old became unwell before the UK entered lockdown and saw firsthand the incredible efforts of medical staff working at Sunderland Royal Hospital as they cared for patients with a range of health conditions, as well as those fighting the new illness.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After spending weeks on the stroke ward, Sheila was moved to a care home in Hebburn after those on the ward began to experience symptoms of coronavirus.

NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.
NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.

Returning to her home on Calver Court on Thursday, April 9, Sheila was given a welcome to remember when she was met by a huge NHS sign made from lights by husband Derek Walker in tribute to our amazing health service.

And as the UK clapped for carers, key workers and the NHS at 8pm on Thursday, neighbours also applauded Sheila for her incredible courage.

Now Sheila is on the road to returning to full health along with the support of her husband Derek Walker and the rest of her family.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daughter Teresa Clayton, 46, from Westoe, said: “Mum had a stroke six weeks ago and has been on the stroke ward in Sunderland whilst the coronavirus has been going on.

NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.
NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.

People on her ward had symptoms of coronavirus so mum was put in a care home in Hebburn for a couple of weeks but a social worker said she would be better off at home.

“On Thursday she got home to find that my stepdad had put up an NHS sign made from fairy lights on the house.

“Mum found it very emotional and when the street clapped for the NHS they also clapped for her.”

A message from the Editor:

NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.
NHS tribute sign to welcome home stroke patient Sheila Walker.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.