Behind the Mask Exhibition | Mysite

Behind the Mask

100 Portrait Showcase

Never has there been such a collaboration of photographers who've taken the time to capture the amazing people who have dedicated their lives to service during such an intense period of time.

We thank you healthcare workers from the bottom of our hearts.

Each photographer gave a unique portrait session 'behind the mask' to give people across the UK the opportunity to see the human story.

Discover these stories from healthcare workers.

This online exhibition is open from 23rd to 27th December 2020

Caitlan Evans, Midwife

Caitlan Evans, Midwife

Lister Hospital, Stevenage, East & North Herts, NHS Trust

"I can no longer be a physical shoulder to cry on, or offer a hug when a birthing persons strength falters, or even offer a comforting smile. Now I have to convey my emotions with my eyes and offer my support with my words and actions. It has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve had fantastic feedback from birthing people for the support they have received.

My wife has single handedly worked from home 9-5 whilst home-schooling the children and all the other bits that life entails. Her resilience has
inspired me no end. My children have had to learn a new way of life. They can no longer cuddle me, when I come home from a 12 hour shift. They know to wait until I’ve 'washed the ‘Macarona’ virus off'. They've taken it on the chin and just got on with it."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Tara Gillen

Dan Anderson, Mental Health Support Work

Dan Anderson, Mental Health Support Work

Willows Hospital
Leicestershire NHS Trust

"The toughest part for me was carrying on whilst making out everything is fine with my patients. As the whole world was closing down, everyone else had time to stop and reflect. My life hasn't really changed.

Our village community has been incredible. We have all come together to help each other. I had Covid-19 in early May and so me and my family had to isolate. We had so many people willing to help us, it was heart warming.

I was also inspired by my colleagues and all the other key workers who kept this country keep running. These were people that were sometimes looked down upon during 'normal ' times but were actually the people who enabled the country to carry on."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Samantha Ferrer

JESS SIMON, Therapeutic Care Support

JESS SIMON, Therapeutic Care Support

South Tees Hospitals
NHS Foundation

"The most challenging part has been working with confused patients with Dementia or Alzheimer. These patients are so scared and frightened.

We have been their only family and support. It has been hard because due to the confusion, these patients tend to remove treatment such as oxygen cannulas, which has resulted in
deterioration of their health.

I’ve held the hands of patients when their family couldn’t. I’ve cried because they can’t understand why the only faces they can see are strangers. I’ve sat bedside with Covid-19 positive patients for extended periods of time to ensure that they are keeping their treatment on. I wish that every patient made a full recovery. "

PHOTOGRAPHER: Aaron Jeffels

Dr. Heather Stirling with fiancé Dr. Joseph Harvey

Dr. Heather Stirling with fiancé Dr. Joseph Harvey

Palliative Care Doctor
Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh

"I’ve been overwhelmed by kindness: The families who stepped back and accepted our no visiting policies. The patients who’d ask if we were ok. The staff who stepped up to multiple extra shifts uncomplaining. To the managers who kept checking in with us all, despite the mountains of new work they have taken on.

Everyone was exhausted but everyone kept adapting smiling (behind the masks) and supporting each other.

Supporting a family member through the end of their life is hard. To have to do that at a distance, and not to be able to have a proper funeral, just doesn’t bear thinking about. They have been so kind, so grateful and so accepting of what we have been able to offer and that has been truly
humbling."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Austin Mitchell

Maggie Mya, Midwife

Maggie Mya, Midwife

Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton NHS Trust

"The unknown was the
greatest challenge.

The nature of my job and personality means that those I care for will always come first. Working in a pandemic, with the high potential of risk to my own health and that of my colleagues, was really difficult.

I’ve been truly inspired by the
incredible teams I work with day in day out. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that we would be working side by side through a global pandemic – caring for our patients and bringing newborns into such a turbulent world. We all know that newborns wait for no one and it has been incredibly humbling, to work with the spectrum of death all around us – as we bring new life safely into the world."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Amanda Thomas

Michael Hudson, Lead Nurse Ophthamology

Michael Hudson, Lead Nurse Ophthamology

HMR Division Integrated Care
Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust

"The NHS was ramping up like I have never seen in all my career of nearly 30 years. Wards were being changed into intensive Care Units, my friend who I was supposed to be going to Base Camp Everest with, was moved to work in ICU out of his normal role as a theatre practitioner.

It felt like there was only myself going to work, the roads were empty. The world seemed at a strange peace with itself and yet it was like, only I really knew the terror that was happening all around me. It was like living in a parallel universe, a nightmare but it was real and at times we
were all in it together.

The only relaxation I could find was to keep training for Everest and spend time on the hills, just myself and my dog."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Brett Harkness

Bev Ryan-Hawes, Senior Mental Health Nurse

Bev Ryan-Hawes, Senior Mental Health Nurse

Mill View Hospital Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

"My wife was ill with Covid and needed an ambulance one night as she couldn’t breathe. My fear of losing her was unbearable. I couldn’t let her see this as I didn’t want to make her feel fear, and then worsen her illness. At the same time my mum was very ill, and I felt I had to choose between being with mum and my wife. I chose my wife. My mum later died and I never had the chance to see her alive again.

Holding the space for my beautiful wife, surrounding and bathing her with love whilst she healed and recovered. Holding the space at work at times of uncertainty for junior staff and patients, who were already in fear, through mental distress and now feeling more fearful because of Covid-19."

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Green

Dr Yasotha Browne, GP & Clinical Lead

Dr Yasotha Browne, GP & Clinical Lead

Homeless Healthcare Team, Solent NHS Trust Southampton

"Once lockdown hit, our walk-ins abruptly stopped at Homeless Healthcare Southampton. So we gathered a multidisciplinary street outreach group to help the most vulnerable homeless people.

This was a real eye opener, seeing the harsh reality of the lives of those most in need. We were all very grateful for the Government initiative to get homeless people off the streets for the time that it was there.

The experience has made me value what we have, as well as given me more knowledge of what we need more to help others.

Exploring different ways of working has been healthy."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge

Ashley Robinson, Ambulance Technician

Ashley Robinson, Ambulance Technician

East Midlands
Ambulance Service NHS Trust

"Having to move away from my family for 7 weeks at the start of Lockdown and living with only seeing them on video calls was very challenging.

The selflessness of the country,
especially within Northants. People have come together as a whole community and helping when they can, where they can. Although we’ve been isolated and quarantined, the whole country appears to have come
together as a whole. The community spirit, nothing is too much for people to help. Even people they don’t know.

I go to work knowing that I may be put into a situation that puts me and my colleagues at risk.

This for me is my job."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Burbage

Caroline Lawrence, ICU Staff Nurse

Caroline Lawrence, ICU Staff Nurse

James Paget NHS University Trust, Norfolk.

"I was shielded 5 weeks after
Lockdown began. In ICU, staff are more than colleagues, they are your work family. When access to your own family and your work family are denied it isolates you in ways you can't imagine. It has given me time to think about what's important and about what I miss, but the thing I miss the most is not being able to hug my son, my mum and baby granddaughter. That's an ache nothing can replace.

The support of the public towards healthcare workers has been astounding. It just proved to me that there IS community spirit and we can all pull together when the need arises. It takes a situation like this to help you believe in the kindness of strangers."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Angela Adams

Kiera Hagan, Midwifery Ward Manager

Kiera Hagan, Midwifery Ward Manager

South Warwickshire
NHS Foundation Trust

"I was 25 weeks pregnant at the time of this portrait. I was managing one ward. The week after I found out I was pregnant, the manager of the other ward stepped down and I took on that ward too. Two weeks later the UK went into Lockdown.

Throughout, I had to manage the anxiety levels of all of my staff and made all of the ladies arriving in the wards feel safe and comfortable, all whilst dealing with my own worries about working whilst pregnant.

My family were telling me not to go to work but I felt an overwhelming need to help – I felt like my colleagues were going to war and I didn’t want to leave them. I was scared for my patients, myself and my family's safety, and generally frightened for what was going to happen."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Charlie Flounders

Sophia Temmerman, Health Visitor

Sophia Temmerman, Health Visitor

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

"I found the unknown of redeployment hard and trying to work in a new role with limited skills quite challenging.

The practitioners I met during
redeployment were supportive of seconded staff, but with an ever changing stressful situation as the pandemic has been and continues to be, it was a stressful time to everyone.

I am keen for healthcare workers not to be seen as 'angels' and for this process to show that we are not in fact angel's but peole trying to do their job to the best of their ability."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Murray

Edward Irish, Nursing Assistant

Edward Irish, Nursing Assistant

Queen Elizabeth University
Hospitals Birmingham
NHS FoundationTrust

"Watching patients pass away whilst I was wearing full PPE, which was very hot. Being afraid of contracting Covid-19 and seeing all my colleagues exhausted, were things that challenged me the most.

However I was inspired by watching all the nurses just getting on with the job at hand and having to deal with the amount of the patients that
we had.

I feel honoured and proud that I can do this alongside all the people who work for the NHS.

I think this pandemic has taken a little piece of all of us that we'll never get back."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Clive Blair

Suzy Jane Mead, Cognitive Behaviour Ther

Suzy Jane Mead, Cognitive Behaviour Ther

Steps 2 Wellbeing
Dorset HealthCare University
NHS Foundation Trust

"Within the community hospital, a number of services have maintained face to face contact throughout the pandemic. The therapy rooms, where we previously delivered, had been re-purposed and utilised by one such service. This is a perinatal service, offering regular checks to pregnant women within the local area.

I have found the willingness,
dedication and professionalism of the staff truly inspirational.

The way that the front line
emergency services and essential treatment teams continued to operate throughout the Covid-19 crisis has been tremendously heart-warming."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Amy Misfud

Shaunee Jamieson, Continuity of Carer Midwife

Shaunee Jamieson, Continuity of Carer Midwife

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
NHS Grampian, Scotland

"Midwife’ comes from the Latin term meaning, ‘with women’ and I feel that sums up our job so well. Part of my job is reassuring and supporting women and it’s been hard to do that through the pandemic because we just didn’t know what was coming next. I had to have some really
difficult, emotional conversations behind a mask and full PPE, which felt really odd.

I come from Shetland originally, so getting to family involves either a plane or ferry journey. When
restrictions eased, I could have
travelled to see them – but it didn’t feel right. I was still working and going into other households daily to visit women in my caseload."

Iain Robertson Catering Operations Manag

Iain Robertson Catering Operations Manag

Solent NHS Trust

"As my baby daughter was on the shielding list, I had to live apart from my family for over two months.

Not seeing my wife and children everyday was very difficult but work kept me very busy which was a blessing.

I think the pandemic united people and brought the best out in everyone.

There were many acts of kindness; from people getting shopping for each other to free items being delivered to hospitals for staff.

On a personal note, a local pub delivered me a roast dinner, free of charge, every Sunday whilst I was living in the hotel.
This was the highlight of my week each week."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge

Diane Barker, Hospice Manager

Diane Barker, Hospice Manager

Marie Curie Hospice
Liverpool

"Throughout the Lockdown period we had great support from the local
community and had numerous donations of tea, coffee, sweets and biscuits. One day someone brought in pizzas for the ward staff.

The support from the general public has been phenomenal and really touching. We had a selection of homemade thank you cards sent in from the local school children,thanking us for the work we were doing during the pandemic."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen Thomasson

Dr Graham Campbell, Consultant Psychiatr

Dr Graham Campbell, Consultant Psychiatr

Mill View Hospital, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

"At the early stages of the pandemic, there was so much that was unknown. We had several patients with Covid-19 on the ward who had to self-isolate in their rooms, which was difficult for them. It was also difficult for us as staff were becoming unwell and it felt like only a matter of time before we would also contract it.

I honestly have to say how impressed I was with so many of the vulnerable patients I work with on the acute mental health ward, specifically their ability to pull together, support each other and show real understanding of the nature of the challenge we all faced."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Faye Collyer-Rolls

Major Angela Laycock, British Army Offic

Major Angela Laycock, British Army Offic

The Corps of Royal Engineers, Nottingham, Operation Rescript - UK military
response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Many parts of the Armed Forces were mobilised in support of Operation
Rescript, assisting the NHS and
healthcare sector in so many vital tasks, from mobile testing facilities, to ambulance driving, transporting nurses and patients and distributing vital medical equipment.

I led the design and build team
constructing the Birmingham
Nightingale Hospital – in under 2 weeks. This epic project required mobilising the many trades of the Royal Engineers, civilian contractors and the NHS to work as a coordinated team to create a fully equipped and functioning COVID 19 hospital."

(Angela is pictured wearing her
military officers mess dress, holding the Nightingale Hospital plans.)

PHOTOGRAPHER: Deb Hall

Scholastique Kamuisuku, Support Care Worker

Scholastique Kamuisuku, Support Care Worker

Community Integrated Care's
EachStep, Manchester.

"It was very challenging knowing that we had Covid-19 in the building. I did feel at first like I was putting myself at risk, but this didn’t stop me from doing my duties as a carer. I wanted to support the residents. Even though I contracted Covid-19 - it did not stop me caring. Once I recovered, I returned straight back to work.

It was so upsetting seeing people I have supported for a long time become unwell with the virus and pass away without their loved ones by their side. No matter how stressful the situation, myself and my colleagues have always tried to stay positive and deliver the best care
possible.

We also try to support the families that cannot be here with their loved one as much as we can."

PHTOGRAPHER: Julie Herbert Adams

Kay King, Healthcare Assistant (General

Kay King, Healthcare Assistant (General

Royal Derby Hospital
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust

"I gave up a 29 year hairdressing career in December 2019, to join the NHS and it’s the best thing I ever did. My daughter was my inspiration, as she is also a healthcare assistant.

The thing I found most challenging was the vast amount of PPE we had to wear in the operating theatres – it was very hot and tiring.

Our operating theatres were
converted into extra ITU (intensive treatment unit) rooms, so we had to move everything over into the Orthopaedic theatres and share their theatre space, which was very unfamiliar.

The kindness and appreciation shown by everybody, made me realise what a valuable job everyone in the NHS does."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Clarke

Grahame Fraser, Registered General Nurse Educator

Grahame Fraser, Registered General Nurse Educator

Birmingham

"I work for the Learning and
Development team that supports the nursing associates and nurses across the community care trust, to be able to respond and develop during this COVID-19 pandemic. The public health impact is touching our private and professional lives, thus I
understand that students might be anxious about the impact on their patients, colleagues and families.

I have been inspired by the
professionalism that has been demonstrated by these new members of the nursing family that support our NHS.

Some staff volunteered to work at the Nightingale Unit which demonstrates the dedication they have for caring for people in the community."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jesse Gerald

Maire O'Riordan, Consultant in Palliativ

Maire O'Riordan, Consultant in Palliativ

Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow.

"Uncertainty from the beginning of the outbreak right through to the present moment has been a real challenge.

'Will I become ill, contagious?'

'Will I put my family, colleagues
and patients at risk?'

'Have we enough PPE protection?'

'Will it always feel this serious when we will reach the new normal?'

The sadness of patients at the end of life not having their families around them in the usual way has been distressing to witness.

Although it has been a very sad and difficult time, being with a loved one at this unique time in their lives is very special and I really feel for everyone who has lost out on that."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gordon Russell

Samantha Merritt, Supervisor Care Assist

Samantha Merritt, Supervisor Care Assist

Southend on Sea

"Working in the care home was tough going into Lockdown and not allowing family and relatives to visit their loved ones. Some of the residents did not understand why.

We had to isolate a resident who went to hospital and came back to us, not knowing the results of her test. Throughout we made sure we had
adequate PPE to wear to protect ourselves, our families and the duty of care to the other residents.

I think it’s the residents that have inspired me through this. To not have any family visit them for over three months, yet they still give you a smile, a hug and grateful to have us carers there to help look after them."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Francesca Low

Dr. Surjit Dhilon, GP (retired)

Dr. Surjit Dhilon, GP (retired)

Coventry & Warwickshire NHS PartnershipTrust

"I have worked as a GP at my current practice for over 25 years and as such, I feel I know the majority of my patients very well. This has been important due to the dramatic changes to our working practices caused by Covid-19.

As the majority of consultations are undertaken remotely, I believe this impacts on building relationships with patients. Also non-verbal cues can be missed and I have to admit, that this has caused me to have concerns about not picking up a serious problem.

The very clear message that I am receiving from our patients is that they do not like the 'new normal' and I to miss seeing patients in the surgery.

However I am not sure if we will be able to go back completely to the previous way of working once this pandemic is over."

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Archer

Julie Spencer, Healthcare Assistant

Julie Spencer, Healthcare Assistant

Elderly Rehabilitation
Walton Community Hospital
CSH Surrey

"I found it really mentally
worrying about bringing Covid-19 home to my family. However, I really love caring for people, so that made it easier to look after people through this time.

I was truly amazed by some care workers from the children's sector who were redeployed to my hospital. They were fantastic, positive and truly hard working. They had chosen to come and care for the elderly, being totally out of their depth. They were my true inspiration in these difficult times."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Antonina Mamzenko

Emma O'Shea, Care Assistant

Emma O'Shea, Care Assistant

Hillcrest Care Facility Omagh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

"Caring for dementia patients
reassuring them that family members had not forgotten about them was challenging.

I was so inspired by the support we received from residents families and other charities around our town, Omagh. All the kind donations from sweet treats to coffee machines and scrubs."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kylie Crawford Volrath

Dr.Cameron Nichol, GP Doctor Trainee

Dr.Cameron Nichol, GP Doctor Trainee

Kent, Surrey & Sussex
Healthcare NHS Trust

"Those that work in the NHS regularly work long, challenging and tiring hours, sometimes at the detriment to their own health and family life.

Pulling together in the pandemic was at first scary as we saw colleagues contract the virus as they carried out their jobs. But seeing real-time
innovation and the positive outcomes from hard, smart work gave me a new found respect for my friends and
colleagues in the health service.

I think I’ll look back on this time with a new found fondness and utmost respect for the work we do. But this will be paired with a sliver of hope that the government truly realizes not only the moral value of the NHS, but the direct economic impact it has for our country so can do much more than a weekly two-minute clap."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Calvin Chinthaka

Dr Swathi Sanagapati, Specialist Doctor

Dr Swathi Sanagapati, Specialist Doctor

Specialist Doctor, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services Central & NW London
NHS Foundation Trust

"I found seeing children in outpatient face to face appointments, during the pandemic, quite challenging.
Some of the children with special needs didn’t understand what social distancing was - boundaries were hard for them.

The most challenging was the
escalating number of kids coming into our services with mental health issues and managing their risk.

Because of the Covid-19, I became more aware of my neighbourhood community and we formed a closed group to help each other with essential shopping needs."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Karen Kodish

LOla Rowe, Ward Sister

LOla Rowe, Ward Sister

Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford

"We just had to all support each other and protect each other as best we could. It was hard for the them, as they couldn’t see their family and I understood as I couldn’t see my family and we are very close.

Every day the phone was ringing with families asking to see their loved ones and we had to tell them no. We were guided by the Government Guidelines but it was tough.

It was a hard situation for everyone, but I always tried not to be show the stress myself, as I didn’t want to pass that onto the patients. Behind closed doors, away from work, we could release that stress. But we never showed it in front of patients."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lisa Holmes

Denise Curran, Clinical Lead Occupationa

Denise Curran, Clinical Lead Occupationa

Acute Care at Home Team Lurgan Hospital, Northern Ireland

"Having to face Covid-19 head on with no time to prepare.

Treating patients and trying to hide the fear you have inside. So little time off work was draining mentally and physically, while everyone else was at home able to lock their doors and protect themselves and their families.

The hardest challenge was not being able to see my family for three months. I missed the comfort of going home, hugging my mum and dad, being able to spend time with them over this extremely stressful time.

The whole uncertainty in the world was very scary for everyone.

Thank you to every single business who supported us through this pandemic. Your kindness will never be forgotten. "

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gillian Murphy

David Sadler, Forensic Pathologist

David Sadler, Forensic Pathologist

Centre for Forensic & Legal Medicine University of Dundee (Police Mortuary)

"The greatest challenge has been managing the risk relating to the post mortem examination of possible COVID-19 cases. Specifically whether to perform an autopsy or not.

Secondly, maintaining standards of hygiene and protective precautions in the short and medium term. The risk of exposure in the mortuary will be with us for some time. The need for death investigation continues as before, with considerable risk to police, funeral directors,
pathologists, mortuary technicians and other mortuary related workers.

Quite apart from the Thursday evening public applause, people have been genuinely grateful to frontline workers, in these difficult circumstances – in the face of considerable risk."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Frank MacDonald

Frances McElroy, Service Manager

Frances McElroy, Service Manager

Ramona House, Residential Detox & Support, Omagh, N Ireland.

"I think the toughest thing was that some of our services were suspended due to Covid-19. We could not offer any physical support to those in an
alcohol crisis in our community.

We maintained phone support throughout and it was very tough speaking to someone who terribly needed help and we couldn’t provide it.

I found it challenging because my mum passed away at Christmas and only a few months later we were in Lockdown. I was unable to hug my dad or spend quality time with my brothers and sisters at a time when we were still mourning.

Our community has been so kind to the service. So many examples of kindness to the fore in Omagh."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Hannah McKeown

Dr. Abdulwahab Mohamed

Dr. Abdulwahab Mohamed

Locum Doctor A&E, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton & Sussex Universit Hospitals NHS Trust.

"I’m originally Sudanese, the first doctors that died during this pandemic the ones the GMC (General Medical Council) contacted and brought back from Sudan, only to die in our hospitals. The act of selflessness and kindness to put ones at risk. To leave their family and fly abroad to help the situation is
something that should not be forgotten.

The hours we work, we get use to it eventually, but the gyms closing down and having no way to relive
stress was hard."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Mabbett

Stacey Hatton, Activity Coordinator & De

Stacey Hatton, Activity Coordinator & De

Support Worker, Brighton & Hove.

"My role is about social engagement and mental stimulation for our residents. When we went into Lockdown and residents were all suddenly confined to their rooms, I was acutely aware of their sense of isolation.

Remaining upbeat and finding new ways to support and engage so many people on a one to one basis, has been an ongoing challenge – particularly when working with those with dementia.

I’ve had to release myself from the overwhelming sense of responsibility for others mental health and just try to do the best I can.

I’ve been inspired by some of the residents themselves who have taken things in stride and remained patient and understanding through
all the changes."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Emma Bailey

Lynda Worley, Neonatal Staff Nurse

Lynda Worley, Neonatal Staff Nurse

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

"I work for the Learning and
Development team that supports the nursing associates and nurses across the community care trust, to be able to respond and develop during this COVID-19 pandemic. The public health impact is touching our private and professional lives, thus I
understand that students might be anxious about the impact on their patients, colleagues and families.

I have been inspired by the
professionalism that has been demonstrated by these new members of the nursing family that support our NHS.

Some staff volunteered to work at the Nightingale Unit which demonstrates the dedication they have for caring for people in the community."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Johanna Elizabeth

Teresa Dando, Chef & Kitchen Manager

Teresa Dando, Chef & Kitchen Manager

Age Concern, Chelmsford, Essex

"What challenged me the most was starting a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service from scratch, employing volunteer drivers and kitchen staff and
organising delivery rounds.

I was passionate about continuing to support my existing elderly clients and wider elderly community through this difficult and unprecedented time.

What has inspired me the most was the kindness of all our volunteers giving their time and putting the elderly before their own health."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ingrid Talosi

Junior Tuffour Adjepong

Junior Tuffour Adjepong

Maintenace Technician
Princess Alice Hospice
Esher, Surrey

"Coming into work everyday knowing what was going on, with so many lives being lost, was difficult for me. It was tough for me thinking of possibly catching something and taking it home to my family.

The manner in which everyone came together as one to fight Covid-19 inspired me.

The love and support from each other was incredible.

I just hope we will continue to care and appreciate each other."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kathryn Chapman

Charlotte Newton, ITU Staff Nurse

Charlotte Newton, ITU Staff Nurse

University Hospitals of
North Midlands NHS Foundation Trust

"I‘m a cardio thoracic Intensive Therapy Unit staff nurse. When Covid -19 hit mine and my teams role changed drastically.

We joined teams with general ITU working with patients with an illness we had not faced before. We all worked tirelessly in full PPE, I was terrified to bring Covid-19 home as I have a 10 year old that suffers with severe asthma.

Covid has been tough and we are still fighting it now, but I know my teams and I will continue to fight. My Cardiac ITU team kept me inspired. Covid-19 brought us all closer."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Louise Grice

Jessica Milburn, ITU Nurse

Jessica Milburn, ITU Nurse

Cumberland Infirmary, Carlile North Cumbria Intergrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

"After my battle with cervical cancer, I was ready to get back to work and the job I love. I returned in March, just-in-time to see the first patient of COVID-19 admitted to intensive care. Within a week the unit was full and we were losing extra beds to try to treat everyone.

It was heartbreaking seeing people admitted who were so scared and alone. We tried so hard to support and help them. Their families would call in so much – we use video calls. We'd wear full PPE for 12.5 hour shifts and that was tough. It's so hot and the masks hurt our faces.

The intensive care team were amazing and we all supported each other. We kept everyone upbeat and positive for the patient sake I have never been prouder to go to work."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kerry Clarke Howes

Justyna Stepien, Perioperative Clinical

Justyna Stepien, Perioperative Clinical

Royal infirmary of Edinburgh
NHS Lothian, Scotland

"In this battle I was providing help on a COVID-19 team. I became anxious seeing very sick patients. I lost my colleagues – broke my heart to a thousands pieces. It had increased my fear about health for those who I love.

The good thing was that my
workmates got closer to each other, more supportive. We built new relationships and trust like never before. We experienced real happiness when our patients recovered.

After all we have been through, I can see that all these experiences will never be forgotten and I definitely have learnt from them for the future.

I am proud to represent NHS
Scotland for taking part in saving human lives."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Johnston

Hazel Hayes, Mental Health Careworker

Hazel Hayes, Mental Health Careworker

Warrington

"Throughout COVID-19 I have had many conversations with my patients. I loved the phenomenal power of words. I realise that although words can hurt, more so can I heal.

Words can bring a smile and almighty laugh.

Words can calm in times of stress.

Words can be encouraging and kind.

It made me realise that I have a voice and responsibility for how are use it. Not only in my chosen career but in my life.

Today I choose words that are kind to everyone I meet. So to the person who may get to read this.

Smile – you're amazing."

PHOTOGRAPHER: David McCollom

Dr. Richard Rees, Research Neurologist

Dr. Richard Rees, Research Neurologist

UCLH University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

"I was a member of the ICU Family Liaison team , a far cry from my regular position. I provided a crucial link between patients on the ICU and their families. I facilitated virtual visits, bringing families to the bedside through video conferencing software. More than just being a glorified iPad holder in PPE, we provided the human touch and contact that the families so needed to see, and the patients needed to receive.

We also supported families as
they were allowed a final visit to say goodbye when the machines could do no more.

After spending many weeks acting as an emotional conduit, and getting to know the families, the losses became personal and the grief became
more real."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jude Wacks

Andrew Marshall, Principal Social Worker

Andrew Marshall, Principal Social Worker

Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford.

"I've had so many difficult
conversations with families who wanted to visit their loved ones, but couldn't due to the covid restrictions.

It challenged my values as a social worker. My role is key in helping families work through difficulties and hardship and through supporting resilience. Telling people that they couldnt come and visit was really hard. I used virtual visiting to help families stay connected. It was a privilege to support this process and be there to facilitate this.

I organised a hospice wide sunflower competition. I wanted to say thank you to my colleagues for everything they were doing."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lisa Holmes

Angela Thompson, Bereavement Midwife

Angela Thompson, Bereavement Midwife

University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust

"The power of touch is one of my
primary means of communication. Touch is healing, soothing,
congratulating. It helps to form
connections. Touch enables
compassion.

During my 35 years in the NHS, I have held many hands to calm and reassure, wiped tears of joy and sadness, given the tightest of hugs at times of deep distress, cuddled crying babies and mopped brows.
It has been hard not to be able to hug a patient, friend or relative. To lose facial expression behind a mask, to not see and squeeze my children who live away.

However there has been so much kindness and compassion towards NHS staff. Such positivity has felt
so uplifting. "

PHOTOGRAPHER: Anton Rawlinson

Liam Roebuck, Paramedic

Liam Roebuck, Paramedic

North East Ambulance Service
NHS Foundation Trust

" I have found it tough balancing the needs of my patients and my own safety. Knowing that the patient may require immediate treatment but having to delay it in order to don the appropriate level of PPE.

The high level PPE that we wear for the most critically unwell patients makes it all the more difficult to treat patients.

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown to myself and colleagues in the ambulance service and the wider NHS. Local businesses and members of the local community have gone out of their way to deliver care packages including food and drinks to our stations to keep us going. "

(Liam fundraises for charity in his viking costume)

PHOTOGRAPHER: George Ledger

Sylvie Blackmore, Phlebotomist

Sylvie Blackmore, Phlebotomist

General Practice, Godstone, Pond Tail Surgery Surrey

"Well Lockdown as a Clinician in the NHS meant anything but
slowing down!

Not only was I booked up solidly, almost 4 weeks in advance throughout Covid-19, I've also taken on the patients who usually go to the hospital to have their bloods taken.

We've had to strip the interior of the Surgery to almost its bare shell and pull together as a team. In the middle of all this, we lost our only GP at the tender age of 60 and we've had to continue looking after our patients under really difficult circumstances. Every day, I hear and see life and its challenges, from the young to the old and everyone in between.

What I do isn't a job, it's a privilege that humbles me every single day."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Sophie Sheinwald

Dr. Holly Angel, Junior Doctor

Dr. Holly Angel, Junior Doctor

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

"When it all started, patients were so understandably scared when they came into the hospital. It was hard to give reassurance when dealing with a new virus and the situation was constantly evolving.

It was incredible how willing and ready everyone was to adapt to new work environment, for example, moving departments or coming out of retirement.

It was amazing how supportive of each other and how quickly everyone was happy to muck in.

For our sore hands from washing, Salisbury Hospital gave us their own hand cream, which I had developed in the burns unit."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Julie Kaye

Dr. Neile Meecham, A&E Registrar

Dr. Neile Meecham, A&E Registrar

Salisbury District Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust

"I have an autoimmune condition and am on strong medications that suppress my immune system.

I had to decide whether to stay at home or whether to keep working in A&E. I decided to keep working but I wasn’t allowed to see Covid-19
patients. I sometimes felt guilty that I wasn’t doing my bit.

It inspired me knowing that
healthcare workers have given their lives to save others."

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marianne Chua

Alex Temmink, Paramedic

Alex Temmink, Paramedic

Donnington Ambulance Station
West Midlands Ambulance Service

"It’s been such a weird time, filled with birth, death, loneliness, fear of the public and my own fear to keep my family safe from me – as well as from Covid-19 in general.

I recall one poorly patient who needed hospital attention. When we went to help her to the ambulance, she burst into tears, together with her husband. She was adamant she’d not be coming back out – almost certain she had Coronavirus.

Communities supported us providing simple items like small sewn bits of material with buttons, to save our ears from the constant wearing of masks. Others sent bags for us to put our uniform and medical kit into so we could disinfect and wash it at work. That way we could keep our homes as sterile as possible."

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Archer