Clap for Carers: How Hartlepool showed its support for key workers with a huge round of applause

At 8pm on Thursday, March 26 families across Hartlepool, the North East and the UK took to their doorsteps, back gardens and windows to put their hands together in honour of our NHS workers, who are fighting on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative, which gathered pace and was hugely supported on social media, saw the heartwarming sound of clapping ring out across the town as we all paid tribute to those working hard to keep us safe.

Designed in honour of NHS workers and carers, many also used the moment to recognise other key workers across a range of sectors who are keeping the country moving during new lockdown measures imposed by the Government this week.

As you put your hands together, many of you got in touch with the Hartlepool Mail on Facebook to share your own touching messages.

This is what you said:

Jayne Gray: “We are going to sing from the balconies next, like the Italians.”

Debbie Chapman: “Amazing turn out, feeling emotional.”

Joanie Crump: “They’re putting their lives on the line for us - let’s make a gesture that matters.”

Sandra Cotson: “And we all clapped.”

Elizabeth Rooney: “Thank you to all the NHS staff and key workers.”

Brooke New: “Keep safe everyone.”

Gary Robson: “Come on people they deserve it.”

Danni Coulson: “We joined in on our step, no video or picture though as we were all too busy clapping.”