Care home staff awarded 'Heroes' medal call it 'big morale boost'

A husband has given care home staff a ‘Heroes of 2020’ medal for their tireless efforts looking after his wife during the pandemic, with the care home calling it a “big morale boost”.

Martin Butler, aged 62, wanted to find a long-lasting way to thank staff rather than just gifting flowers and chocolate, for the care they have given his wife, Georgina, 64, who needed to go into a care home in November last year.

Mr Butler said: “I had been buying flowers for the staff, but they don’t last long, chocolates get eaten and then you have nothing to show for it after. I wanted to give the staff something they could keep forever so that they knew how much they had done for me, which is when I saw the medals.”

The Heroes of 2020 medals have been designed by Sterling Mint to allow people to say thank you to their personal heroes who have helped them through the pandemic. Their design was inspired by the George Cross, the highest award for civilian bravery.

Dedrey Charles, matron at Muscliff Care Home in Bournemouth, said: “Receiving the medal was a big morale boost for the staff here. We have received many thank you gifts from families and this one will join the ‘Wall of Appreciation’ forever as a reminder of all the hard work staff did and continue to do during the pandemic. ”

Ms Charles says she has been impressed with the amazing teamwork shown by the staff, adding that the whole team has pulled together and everyone has played their part to ensure the residents were cared for and felt supported. “Thanks to this teamwork the virus has been kept at bay,” she said.

Family are now able to visit the care home, as long as social distancing is observed, meaning Mr Butler was able to gift the medal to staff in person.

Now, many care home owners are following Martin Butler’s lead and purchasing medals to present to their staff as a symbol of their appreciation of their bravery and dedication.

All of the profits generated by the sale of the medals are being donated to NHS Charities Together, with Sterling Mint hoping to raise £2m overall.

Simon Mellinger, managing director of , said: “All of our key workers deserve recognition for their unrelenting efforts during the pandemic.

“Martin’s story really hit home for us just how big a difference our frontline workers have been having in reuniting families and loved ones, safely.

“We know that the pandemic has brought core issues like pay, resources and working conditions to the fore – and that a medal is no replacement for these things.

"But we’re really pleased to see care home owners showing their appreciation for their key workers and we know, from the feedback we are getting on Trustpilot, how valued these medals are by the recipients and with all profits going to the NHS Charities Together Urgent Covid-19 Appeal , we hope we can help those who have helped so many other people.”

The Heroes of 2020 medals pay tribute to a range of 12 categories of people who have helped us through the crisis. Starting at just £19.95, they are available now – for more details click here

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