KATY TO TOAST HEROES FROM SLIEVE DONARD

The Reserve Forces and Cadet Association Northern Ireland (RFCA NI) is playing its part on Monday 5 July 2021 on NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day to celebrate all those who have worked tirelessly to help society through the pandemic, and who continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in society. Their commitment during the last year is an inspiration to everyone and the NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day is an opportunity to say a huge thank you to them.

Organised nationally by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, there will be events to mark the day throughout United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

 
The NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day was conceived and organised by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek, who has organised national and royal events for over 40 years, including key aspects of Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations and 90th Birthday Beacons celebration.

 
Bruno said: “July 5th 1948 was an historic moment in our country’s history. It was the day our pioneering National Health Service was born, bringing free healthcare to everyone. We have treasured it ever since, but never more so since March 2020 when the Covid pandemic gripped the UK and changed our lives.

 
“We were suddenly at war with a ruthless, invisible enemy and on the front line were our NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics, plus platoons of critical workers keeping our shops open and stocked, our streets safe and our essential services running.

 
“Now we have the chance to show our gratitude to all NHS and frontline staff with what I believe will be an annual day of thanks, and remembrance of those who lost their lives because of this dreadful disease.”

 One of the highlights of the day is the The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers which will be led by women and girls climbing the UK’s four highest peaks – Katy Connor from the top of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland; Katy Espresatti and her daughters, Tiana Sophie, 7, and Kaila Emily, 11, from the summit of Ben Nevis, Scotland; Rowena Roberts from the top of Mount Snowdon, Wales, and Tara Haines, from Scafell Pike, England.

 Katy Connor from Lisburn, a cadet adult volunteer with RIFCA NI, said:

 “This is a wonderful opportunity and event for everyone across the UK to thank the commitment by the many carers within the NHS and across the frontline within our communities, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. I am delighted and especially proud to lead the toast to these heroes from the top of Slieve Donard.

 Further information on NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day can be found at www.nhsfrontlineday.org.