Caring magazine Issue 41, April 2016 | Page 18

News & campaigns Got a local story to share? Contact [email protected] NHS Choir celebrate carers by taking the Christmas top spot Following their Christmas number one success, we caught up with the NHS Choir to say a heart-felt thank you for choosing to celebrate carers and support Carers UK. Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust choir recorded A Bridge Over You two years ago. It was a grassroots social media campaign – and a tweet of support from Justin Bieber to his 72 million followers – that catapulted the single to the Christmas top spot. supporting families to provide care to their children at home, so I see the wonderful work that carers do.” As well as celebrating the healthcare professionals who make the NHS work, the choir chose to recognise the vital role that carers play by donating a third of the proceeds to Carers UK. Caroline and Katie explain why: Dr Katie Rogerson, Choir member, and one of the three NHS staff who led the campaign: Caroline Smith, Choir member: “As a children’s doctor I see first-hand how life can change overnight for families with a chronically ill child. I hope we can help Carers UK be there for more people – so they know they don’t have to do it alone.” “We knew we wanted to support charities that work across the UK and benefit people across a range of conditions. Caring was a popular choice. I work as a physiotherapist “I hope we can help Carers UK be there for more people.” “I was struck by the Carers UK statistic that the value of carers’ contribution in the UK each year is £132 billion – almost equal to the annual NHS budget of £134 billion. Be remembered: A gift in your will Gifts in wills are so important to Carers UK, as they provide vital funds towards our support and advice services. If you would like to talk to someone about leaving a gift to Carers UK in your will telephone 020 7373 4988 or email [email protected] 18 “Caring had been such a big part of my life. I wanted to give something back.” carersuk.org