Soaring spectacle as Spitfire flies over Sunderland to thank NHS

A Second World War Spitfire has lifted people’s spirits as it flew over Sunderland today.
Thank U NHS message on the blue Spitfire as it passed over Sunderland Royal Hospital. Photo Stuart Norton.Thank U NHS message on the blue Spitfire as it passed over Sunderland Royal Hospital. Photo Stuart Norton.
Thank U NHS message on the blue Spitfire as it passed over Sunderland Royal Hospital. Photo Stuart Norton.

The blue Mark 11 aircraft, which carried the message ‘Thank U NHS’ written on the underside of its wings, soared over Sunderland Royal Hospital and Sunderland Children’s Hospital on Tuesday September 22.

It could also be seen in the skies over Teesside, County Durham, Tyneside and Northumberland in the rescheduled flight by the Aircraft Restoration Company.

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It had been due to fly over the region on Wednesday, September 16, but had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Echo reader Ian Harper took this picture of the Spitfire over Sunderland.Echo reader Ian Harper took this picture of the Spitfire over Sunderland.
Echo reader Ian Harper took this picture of the Spitfire over Sunderland.

Echo photographer Stuart Norton captured it in action.

And so did reader Ian Harper who shared his picture with us.

As well as cheering people up, the aeroplane is also raising money for NHS Charities Together as the public make a donation for someone’s name to be written on the plane.

Organisers say it is a way of recognising small acts of kindness throughout the Covid-19 pandemic from a family member to a kind neighbour, close friend or community hero.

The Spitfire has space for 80,000 names.

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The Aircraft Restoration Company stated: “The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.”

The Spitfire was specifically built and used for photo reconnaissance during the war.

John Romain, founder and managing director of Aircraft Restoration Company based at Duxford Airfield in Cambs, said: “The response to our initial flight over the last 8pm #clapforourcarers Thursday was incredibly humbling, with hundreds of people from the local community sharing how wonderful it was to not only see the Spitfire, but also to read the message emblazoned across its wings.

"This is where the idea to hand write the names of the nation’s loved ones onto the aircraft to raise money for the NHS Charities Together began.”

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"After such positive response we decided to leave the message painted on the Spitfire for the rest of the flying season."

Donations can still be made to the fund at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nhsspitfire for a minimum of £10.

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