TO celebrate 73 years of the NHS, an event was held at Penarth Masonic Hall today.

In addition to its birthday on Monday, July 5, the NHS in Wales has been awarded the George Cross in recognition of the efforts of all staff during the pandemic.

The George Cross is rarely given to organisations and recognises extraordinary acts of bravery in trying to save the lives of other people.

Penarth Masonic Hall saw doctors, freemasons, frontline workers, and residents come together – keeping with pandemic guidelines – to celebrate another milestone.

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Gordon Shumack, chairman of Penarth Masonic Hall, was in charge of organising the event and said the day was also to commemorate the “wonderful work and care” communities throughout the UK has received during the last 15 months of the pandemic.

“Without the NHS we would be in very, very dire straits,” he added.

Town Mayor Ian Buckley attended the event and spoke about his admiration for all key workers – bin men, retail workers, care workers, and NHS staff – and the work they have done since the start of the pandemic and beyond.

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He said: “I wish to pay tribute to all the local doctors, nurses, care workers and other frontline staff who, along with all key workers played such a vital role in saving lives and keeping essential services going during Covid-19.

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“Their commitment and sense of duty is an inspiration to everyone.

“On behalf of the whole town, I want to say a huge thank you to every single one of them.”

More information on NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day can be found at www.nhsfrontlineday.org.