Local schoolchildren joined colleagues at a tree-planting ceremony yesterday at HRI for a double celebration, marking the NHS’s 75th birthday and our new A&E department, which opens later this year.

Thirteen youngsters, aged between six and eleven, came from the nearby Reinwood Junior and Infants Schools for the double celebration, joined by our A&E colleagues. The beech sapling was planted by the youngsters with a ceremonial golden shovel and a plaque was also unveiled to mark the occasion.

Our Chief Executive, Brendan Brown, said: “What a lovely moment for us all to be here sharing the occasion with our local community. I want to thank the children of Reinwood Junior and Infant Schools for joining us for such a big day for both CHFT and the whole of the country.”

“We invited the children to join us, as they not only represent the local people we care for, but also the healthcare workers of the future.”

The first shovel full was laid by our NHS Charity Manager Emma Kovaleski's son, Stanley. He told Brendan that he wanted to be a tree planter for the NHS when he grew up!

Reinwood’s Headteacher, Emma Eastwood, said: “We were delighted to be involved in today’s tree-planting ceremony. The school’s motto is “giving roots to grow”, so it definitely seems fitting that our children were here today.”

Pupil, Hiba, aged 11, said about taking part: “It felt really good to be here today and knowing I am helping the community was really good, too.”

Watch a behind-the-scenes video of the event here.