Prince William hails 'truly inspirational' NHS heroes

The Duke of Cambridge will pay tribute to NHS staff in a video which has been recorded for the NHS Heroes Awards this evening.

Monday 14 May 2018 12:15, UK

Prince William visited The Royal Marsden Hospital in London earlier this year
Image: Prince William visited The Royal Marsden Hospital in London earlier this year
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The NHS is "one of our country's greatest treasures", Prince William will say in a message praising the work of health workers.

The Duke of Cambridge will pay tribute to the service's "truly inspirational" staff in a video which has been recorded for the NHS Heroes Awards due to take place later this evening.

A sexual health worker who helped lift the lid on the Rochdale grooming scandal and whose evidence led to the conviction of nine child abusers is among those receiving an award.

Sara Rowbotham, 50, will be presented with a special recognition honour for years of working with vulnerable children.

Sara Rowbotham helped expose the Rochdale grooming scandal
Image: Sara Rowbotham helped expose the Rochdale grooming scandal

Winners also include Dr Martin Griffiths, who saved the life of one of the stabbing victims of the London Bridge terror attack in June last year.

Coincidentally, he had also saved the victim's father's life in a heart operation several years earlier, organisers said.

He will receive an accolade for his work in A&E as a leading trauma surgeon.

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A young survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing in May last year will also receive recognition, for helping to raise £40,000 for the Royal Manchester Children's hospital, where she was treated for her injuries.

Freya Lewis, 15, was leaving the Ariana Grande concert when a suicide bomber detonated his device. Her friend Nell Jones was among the 22 killed.

Freya Lewis helped raise £40,000 after the terror attack during an Ariana Grande (pictured) concert
Image: Freya Lewis helped raise £40,000 after the terror attack during an Ariana Grande (pictured) concert

William will say in his pre-recorded video message: "The National Health Service is one of our country's greatest treasures, and something we should all be immensely proud of.

"Perhaps the most wonderful thing about the NHS is its people. The skill, care, and dedication that they provide every day is truly inspirational.

"I would like to pay tribute to every member of NHS staff, and the wonderful volunteers who do so much to support them - we owe you all a huge thank you."

The Duchess of Cornwall will attend the event, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

Celebrities including Sir Tom Jones, Jamie Oliver and Dame Shirley Bassey are among those also expected to attend the ceremony at London's Hilton on Park Lane, which will be hosted by Paul O'Grady.

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