Watch South Tyneside hospital porter's stunning saxophone performance to support NHS workers

Stevie Clifford, 50, had already finished his eight-hour shift as a porter at South Tyneside District Hospital and gone home for a well-earned rest on Thursday, April 2.

But four hours later, he went back to the hospital and stood outside to play ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ to the public and staff as they showed their gratitude for everyone in the NHS as they joined the Clap for Carers at 8pm.

His superb performance has gone down a storm on social media but modest Stevie, who has been working at the hospital for 17 years, said: “Even if it made a difference to just one person’s life, I thought it would be worth it.

“I just wanted to lift people’s morale.”

Stevie has been playing the sax for around 15 years and explained why he chose that particular tune: “I have seen all the rainbows in people’s windows all over the town and I imagine it is happening all over the country.

“I thought if I played, it might make a big difference. I felt that if it could lift people’s morale it might have done some good.

“I had gone home at about 4pm after my shift at work. I watched some TV and I thought ‘right, I am going to the hospital and I am going to do my song.”

South Tyneside turned out in force to support the latest Clap for Carers tribute and you can watch the amazing support given to frontline workers here.

Many also said they would be back to do the same next Thursday at 8pm – only next time they would make even more noise to show their support for the heroes.

It comes as the Gazette is running its #actsofkindness campaign to highlight amazing things people are doing to help others in their community.

If you or someone you know has done something amazing to help, get in touch on Facebook.

The latest news on the Coronavirus – include up-to-date case numbers – can be found here.

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