Fathma pins hope on brighter future
Intensive care nurse Fathma Shabbir was one of six front-line workers to receive a ‘Thank You’ pin badge on behalf of the NHS for its work during the pandemic.
The pins, which will go on sale to the public as part of an appeal to raise money for NHS Charities, are shaped as a pair of hands symbolising Clap for Carers which became synonymous with public gratitude during the height of the Covid-19.
Fathma, who worked throughout the pandemic at Ealing Hospital, said: “It’s nice to be recognised. It was a huge team effort and, like a family, we got through it together.”
The project was the idea of local business TMB Art Metal who created a 3D composite of the hands cast from Fathma and her colleagues who included a matron, porter and ward manager.
They were made from aluminium alloy recycled from a WW2 Spitfire that flew in the Battle of Britain and are tribute to the modern day ‘Few’ who showed similar courage and resilience.
Chris Bennett, Founder of TMB Art Metal, said: “While the pandemic isn’t a physical war, there are many parallels to the experiences that communities and front-line workers endured during World War Two.”
The “Thank You” Pin will be available from nhsthankyoupin.co.uk from June 21 with £10 from every sale going to NHS Charities Together.