Helena Bonham Carter praises ‘hero’ nurses ahead of special service of thanks
Helena Bonham Carter will attend a service of thanks for nurses at Westminster Abbey (PA)
Nurses will be recognised for their contribution and sacrifice throughout the coronavirus pandemic during a service at Westminster Abbey attended by actress Helena Bonham Carter.
The star, who is a relative of healthcare pioneer Florence Nightingale, has hailed nurses as “heroes”, particularly for their work in the past year.
Bonham Carter’s great-great-grandmother was an aunt of Nightingale – who became known as The Lady with the Lamp.
The Crown star will give a reading at the London service, which takes place each year around the time of Nightingale’s birthday on May 12 – now International Nurses’ Day.
Florence Nightingale would be “roaring” about the 1% pay rise offer for health staff, her relative Helena Bonham Carter has said.
The Crown star said the renowned nurse who became known as The Lady With the Lamp would challenge the offer as a “pitiful reflection” of their work in the past year.
The actress spoke after a service at Westminster Abbey which paid tribute to nurses and midwives for their work during the pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock also attended and met nurses after the event in London on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister reads from Matthew 25: ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory’ pic.twitter.com/3lEtvj3uXS