Spitfire spectacle lifts spirits as iconic aircraft flight says thank you to NHS

The blue blue Spitfire took off from Teesside Airport on September 22 and flew over many of the region’s hospitals with ‘Thank You NHS’ painted across the underneath of its wings to show appreciation to the hard work of frontline healthcare heroes during the coronavirus pandemic.

It passed over the University Hospital of North Tees, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Adorned with the names of up to 80,000 people nominated by the public for a donation, it is raising tens of thousands of pounds for NHS charities.

Tees Valley Mayor welcomed pilot John Romain, founder and managing director of the Aircraft Restoration Company at Teesside Airport.

Mayor Houchen said: “I am delighted that Teesside Airport has been able to welcome this historic and unique NHS Spitfire as part of its journey across Northern England.

"It is a brilliant idea and I’m sure people right across the North-East will have been trying to get a glimpse of the plane in the skies today.

“Our NHS and care workers have been the true heroes of the coronavirus pandemic and we should all be forever indebted to them for the work they have done to save lives and care for our loved ones during this difficult time.”

The flights followed overwhelming public response when the Spitfire flew around Duxford Airfield where it is based during the weekly Clap for Carers.

Pilot John said: “We hoped it would lift the community spirit and it did, the response was utterly overwhelming.

"Our aim was to involve the nation, enabling them to become a part of the story whilst raising funds for NHS Charities Together.

"Having now flown over hundreds of NHS hospitals and with thousands of names hand-written onto the Spitfire, we are humbled to have been able to give those in our communities a way of saying a simple thank you.

“It was great to stop off at Teesside Airport today to refuel as part of our journey.”

Donations to the fund can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nhsspitfire

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