A SPECIAL Rainbow Flower has been created to raise funds for Wirral health service staff in appreciation of their battle against coronavirus.

Commissioned by Wirral University Teaching Hospital's WUTH Charity, the flower has become a national symbol of thanks to the NHS and key workers so it is a fitting way to recognise this service to others.

A limited number of these special flowers, made by British Ironworks, will be available for a minimum donation of £25.

The grounds of Arrowe Park Hospital and Clatterbridge Hospital will become a canvas of colour, providing the setting for a stunning blanket of the flowers.

Once the installation is complete the flowers will be delivered to donors as a memory to keep forever.

People can reserve theirs now, to show support for their local hospital, or perhaps in memory or celebration of a special person.

Flowers can be ordered from the WUTH Charity Office on 0151 482 7788 or via www.wuthcharity.org

The charity is honouring the NHS, including the former doctors, nurses and other health service staff who came out of retirement to help control the virus.

It is also recognising fellow local key workers and volunteers including ambulance service, emergency workers, bus and train drivers, shop workers, social care staff, teachers and delivery drivers who kept the country running and of course, all those who helped to stop the spread of the virus and save lives, by following the expert advice and staying home.

All funds raised will go to the charity.

The charity supports patients and staff at the Trust’s Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital and Clatterbridge Hospital.

Gill Harris, a sister in the critical care unit at Arrowe Park Hospital is supporting the Wirral Rainbow Flower endeavour.

The most seriously ill patients are cared for on the Unit.

One of those, during the pandemic was her brother-in-law, who was admitted with COVID-19 infection and unfortunately did not recover.

Gill said: "At WUTH, we remember those patients who sadly died, we think of them and their families.

"We celebrate those patients we cared for who recovered. Many are still on the long road to regain their health."

Victoria Burrows, head of fundraising at WUTH and WUTH Charity, said: "During the past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rainbow has become a symbol of hope for NHS staff and other keyworkers.

"Every donation made for one of these special flowers will help to support the WUTH Charity, which raises funds to make a real difference to patient care and staff well-being in our hospitals.

"Staff at WUTH have worked around the clock to tackle COVID-19, caring for patients with the virus who needed specialist hospital treatment and treating countless others besides.

"Everyone has had a part to play during these most difficult days.

"The Wirral Rainbow Flower is a lasting tribute to how everyone came together to support the NHS and the Wirral Community."