Local parish council donates bench to say thank you to key workers

A Cheshire parish council has added a splash of colour to a hospital entrance after donating a rainbow bench.

Minshull Vernon & District Parish Council commissioned the bench to be displayed at Crewe’s Leighton Hospital as a way of saying thank you to local NHS staff and key workers for their hard work throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

The bench, funded by the council, has now been installed outside the main entrance of Leighton Hospital to be a permanent reminder of the difficult times the local community has faced due to the virus. 

Les Horne, Chair of Minshull Vernon & District Parish Council, said: “I’m sure that everybody really appreciates all the effort that everyone is putting in to fighting this virus, and looking after all the everyday patients. They’re doing a fantastic job.  

“The bench is just a small token to say a huge thank you on behalf of the local people around Leighton.” 

James Sumner, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital, added: “We would like to say a big thank you to the council for this kind and colourful gesture, as well as to our local community for their ongoing support. 

“Our staff, as well as all other key workers, have done an incredible job throughout the pandemic and this bench will serve as a long-lasting reminder of their care, compassion and resilience during a very challenging time.” 

The thank you bench was built by Fabrications North East Ltd and has been designed to last for the next 25 years. 

Pictured – Les Horne, Chair of Vernon Minshull & District Parish Council, with Emma Robertson, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity Manager.