Detective donates hand cream to Sunderland Royal Hospital after being inspired by sister on the NHS front line

Detective Sergeant Andy Richardson spends his days investigating some of the most serious and violent crimes across Sunderland and South Tyneside.

But away from the station, he has led the way with a community initiative to collect hand cream as a gesture of thanks towards the NHS staff working around the clock at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

His younger sister Kyna, a qualified nurse of 12 years, works in the hospital’s A&E department.

Det Sgt Richardson put the feelers out on a WhatsApp group for those living in his street – and soon saw the donations pour in from across the local community.

He then delivered the donated products to his sister outside the hospital. They have been passed out to staff working on the wards.

Speaking of the NHS staffs’ hard work, Det Sgt Richardson said: “We are all indebted to the NHS and the incredible work that their brave staff and volunteers are doing every single day to save lives.

“With Kyna working as a Sister in the A&E department, as a family we hear some of the countless stories of self-sacrifice and devotion that happen every single day.

“Like many across the communities we serve, I wanted to do something to help. Heavy hand-washing and frequent sanitising can have harsh effects on people’s skin so we thought this would be a nice way to say thanks to those on the front line.

“With that in mind, I sent a few texts to my neighbours and the response was fantastic – it reaffirms the incredibly community spirit we have here in Sunderland and across Northumbria as a whole.

“It was only a small gesture, but hopefully one that helps those working in the NHS know just how much the community appreciates their ongoing hard work and dedication.”

Northumbria Police officers have also been showing their support for other key workers, taking part in Clap for Carers every Thursday at 8pm.

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