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International Nurses’ Day: Crown actor honoured to be part of service hailing nurses

Helena Bonham Carter at Westminster Abbey to mark Florence Nightingale’s birthday

Helena Bonham Carter gives a reading to mark Florence Nightingale’s birthday at Westminster Abbey

Actress Helena Bonham Carter’s great-great-grandmother was an aunt of healthcare pioneer Florence Nightingale
Actor Helena Bonham Carter’s great-great-grandmother was an aunt of healthcare pioneer Florence Nightingale. Picture: Shutterstock

Nurses were recognised for their contribution and sacrifice throughout the COVID-19 pandemic during a special service at Westminster Abbey, attended by actor Helena Bonham Carter.

The star, whose great-great-grandmother was an aunt of healthcare pioneer Florence Nightingale, hailed nurses’ work during the crisis. The Crown actor gave a reading at the London service, which takes place each year around the time of Miss Nightingale’s birthday on 12 May – now International Nurses’ Day.

Due to social distancing, just 60 people attended the service at the abbey.

Public encouraged to donate to Florence Nightingale Foundation

Ahead of the event, Ms Bonham Carter said she was honoured to be part of the special service. ‘Nurses have been there for our loved ones – our mothers, our fathers, our friends – providing care and comfort to patients during this horrendous pandemic. Some have lost their lives. They have selflessly put their lives on hold to support others under the most stressful of circumstances and we are all indebted to them.’

Members of the public are being encouraged to thank nurses and midwives by donating to the Florence Nightingale Foundation’s White Rose Appeal, which last year raised £88,000. The money raised helped to fund access to emotional and well-being support for nurses.

The foundation’s chief executive Greta Westwood said: ‘We honour, thank and remember the nurses and midwives who have never hesitated to help others during this pandemic; they are Florence Nightingale’s legacy today.’

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster David Hoyle, while the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally delivered an address.

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