MEDICAL staff raced to show their appreciation for ‘super hero’ care home workers after taking part in a 5K challenge.
GPs and practice staff at East Durham Medical Group raised over £1,100, by walking or running five kilometres, to buy care packages for local care home staff during the COVID-19 crisis.
Dressed as masked superheroes, they then delivered hampers of chocolates, flowers, afternoon tea savouries and cakes, luxury toiletries, non-alcoholic sparkling wine and PPE visors to carers at nine local care homes where they have patients.
Dr Dagny Samuel, partner at East Durham Medical Group, said: “Care workers look after some of the most vulnerable people in society and we wanted to do something to show our appreciation, celebrate and cheer on the real life heroes in our local care homes.
“Since the outbreak of the pandemic many care workers have put their own lives at risk on a daily basis to care for their elderly residents and some continue to live in isolation for fear of passing the virus to residents or their own families.
“They console, comfort and reassure with patience and kindness and many have held the hands of dying elderly people, shedding tears under their goggles and masks, for the families who have not been able to spend the last few moments with their loved ones – they really are superheroes and we are grateful to each and every one of them.”
GPs and practice staff were joined by friends, family and supporters on their individual 5K walkathon routes, following social distancing and lockdown rules, with everyone contributing a minimum of £5 towards the challenge.
Mr Joseph Chandy, managing partner of East Durham Medical Group said: “Our GP practices have received incredible support from patients and the local community throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our care homes staff are remarkable, putting their lives at risk to prevent or care through Coronavirus outbreaks and they are our heroes.
“The GPs and staff at East Durham Medical Group wanted to show them how much we appreciate what they do. Hopefully this will inspire many others to consider running similar initiatives for their own local care homes, to give them the boost they deserve.”
Many of the care homes took to Facebook to acknowledge their appreciation of the gesture and how much it lifted their spirits.
A care homes spokespersons added: “We would really like to thank everyone at East Durham Medical Group.
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed with all the gifts.”