We are so excited to announce that the "Thank U NHS" Spitfire will fly over Warrington Hospital on Sunday 30 August, at approximately 10:54am, conditions permitting.
The aircraft is covered with the names of 80,000 NHS staff, family members, neighbours and friends nominated by members of the public to recognise the huge sacrifices and acts of kindness over the last few months.
The aim of the initiative is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.
The fundraising campaign, which runs until September 20 to align with the Spitfire closing the show at the IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show, has so far amassed more than £60,000. The Spitfire will take off from Duxford Airfield near Cambridge at 10am on Sunday, August 30, and fly over Warrington Hospital at 10:54am.
Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the blue Spitfire will be able to see the message "Thank U NHS" written across the underside of its wings.
Simon Constable, Chief Executive for Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals commented, “We are absolutely delighted that this legendary aircraft is scheduled to fly over Warrington Hospital on Sunday as part of a tour of a number of hospitals across England. It is unique recognition during extraordinary times and we are very honoured.”
NHS Spitfire route on Sunday, August 30:
10:00 Duxford Airfield - Take off
10:19 Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS
10:27 Royal Derby Hospital NHS
10:37 Royal Stoke University Hospital NHS
10:47 Countess of Chester Hospital NHS
10:54 Warrington & Halton Hospital NHS
11:00 The Royal Liverpool Hospital NHS
11:04 St Helens Hospital NHS
11:10 Southport & Formby District General Hospital NHS
11:15 Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS
11:20 Blackpool Airport - Land
14:00 Blackpool Airport - Take off
14:07 Royal Lancaster Infirmary NHS
14:13 Royal Preston Hospital NHS
14:18 Royal Blackburn Hospital NHS
14:26 Bradford Royal Infirmary NHS
14:30 Calderdale Royal Hospital NHS - Halifax
14:32 Halifax Huddersfield Royal Infirmary NHS
14:37 Rochdale Infirmary NHS
14:42 Royal Bolton Hospital NHS
14:45 North Manchester General Hospital NHS
14:47 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
14:49 Trafford General Hospital NHS
14:53 Wythenshawe Hospital NHS - Altrincham
14:55 Stepping Hill Hospital NHS - Stockport
15:16 Melton Mowbray Hospital NHS
15:36 Duxford Airfield - Land
To have your name added to the NHS Spitfire click here: https://