Moment Woolwich Ferry does 360-degree spin and blasts horn in the middle of Thames in honour of frontline NHS staff
- The boat performed a unique tribute in the water during a show of appreciation
- Millions of Brits again took to their doorsteps and balconies to say thank you
- But gestures were overshadowed by hundreds ignoring social distancing rules
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
This is the moment the Woolwich Ferry performed a spectacular spin in honour of frontline NHS staff.
As millions of Brits took to their doorsteps and balconies to say thank you to heroic key workers, a special tribute was taking place in the River Thames.
The commuter ferry, which operates in south-east London, spun 360 degrees in a circle and honked its horn in the middle of the water while the applause took place.
It was the latest show of appreciation for people including supermarket staff, the emergency services and teachers, for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
Carrie Symonds, who is expecting her first child with Boris Johnson in early summer, said she was ‘clapping harder than ever’ to thank healthcare workers on Thursday.
It came just days after the Prime Minister was discharged from hospital having battled against the virus in intensive care.
Other celebrations were held around the country during the fourth consecutive week of public appreciation.
Manchester United Football Club lit up their stadium, Old Trafford, in blue, spelling out ‘NHS United’ on their club sign in tribute to NHS workers across the UK.
Politicians around the UK took to their doorsteps to show support for healthcare workers, including First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
Many were also praising Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old who has now raised more than £22 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden.
The Second World War veteran set out to complete the challenge before his 100th birthday on April 30, wanting to give something back to the staff who treated him for a broken hip.
His initial target was a modest £1,000 but his efforts have inspired millions to donate to the cause.
The Woolwich Ferry span in a circle and sounded its horn in the middle of the River Thames during this week’s Clap for Carers
However, this week’s efforts were somewhat overshadowed after Met Police chief Cressida Dick was widely criticised for joining hundreds of people who were ignoring social distancing rules to applaud from Westminster Bridge.
Critics on Twitter branded Ms Dick the ‘worst commissioner of all time’ after the failed photo opportunity became a public embarrassment.
Police had planned the event to showcase support for key workers, turning their cars’ blue lights on, but the applause resulted in overcrowding.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has now said he believes questions will be asked within the capital’s emergency services over how such flouting of government guidance was allowed to happen.
He told James O’Brien on LBC Radio: ‘I am equally concerned that the social distancing rules don’t seem to have been observed.’