Heart Radio Host, Kelly Brook Surprises Nhs Nurse from Newcastle with the Holiday of a Lifetime

This Christmas, NHS Charities Together has worked with Global Radio to arrange a very special 'thank you' for NHS staff and volunteers who go the extra mile every day working on the projects funded by the charity to give thanks and to celebrate extraordinary NHS staff who go the extra mile every day of the year, including Jess Shield, a Ward Sister on the Neurological Trauma Critical Care Ward at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle.

The ‘Festive Thank You' surprised NHS staff with an incredible Christmas present on air on Heart and Smooth today, while highlighting the vital extra support NHS Charities Together gives to the NHS.  

It is the first time Global and NHS Charities Together have partnered on a campaign, which Starbucks generously supports.  

The inspirational members of staff who have been chosen to receive a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas present from the Heart and Smooth team have all supported vital health services through projects funded by NHS Charities Together. Their roles range from providing mental health support to their colleagues, volunteering for support groups for children with long-term illnesses and improving access to healthcare within the community. 

Jess was surprised on air on Heart FM by hosts Jason King and Kelly Brook with the trip of a lifetime to her bucket list destination, India alongside her husband and young daughter, Willow.

Every day Jess goes into work knowing she must be ready to face some of the most harrowing and distressing situations you can possibly imagine - such as road traffic accidents, brain injuries and attempted suicide.

Jess’ care extends beyond just her patients, going above and beyond to support the close-knit team around her, knowing the mental toll the role can take. On top of her existing responsibilities, she has also become a mental health advocate and a shoulder many of the staff lean on, spearheading charity funded psychological support for staff, including a clinical psychologist specifically for staff who are struggling, and creating a well-being room funded by NHS Charities Together.

Jess said: “We are so busy looking after others and operating at times in survival mode that we put ourselves to the back of the queue without any hesitation. I always believe that no act of kindness- no matter how small is ever wasted. However, this act of Kindness was not small (incredibly huge actually) and certainly will not be wasted. It has always been a bucket list/pipe dream of mine to visit India for many reasons close to my heart, although I never thought this would be possible (I will always remember the guide book on India that I read inside out and back to front and placed back onto the book shelf many years ago). I was unable to sleep for two nights after hearing the fantastic news that my dream has come true and I would visit India with my husband and little girl.

It was like an out of body experience, I was left completely overwhelmed and grateful beyond belief. I will never forget being rewarded and recognised by NHS Charities Together and Heart Radio for doing something I love with an incredible team of superstars, and I will always be eternally grateful for being given the opportunity to turn a lifelong dream into a precious reality and memory.”

Teri Bayliss, Charity Director for Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “As a founding member of NHS Charities Together, we at Newcastle Hospitals Charity are delighted that NHS Charities Together, Global and Starbucks have decided to honour Jess with this trip of a lifetime. It is such a fantastic way to thank Jess for everything she does, day-in day-out, for the patients and fellow staff members at Newcastle Hospitals. She really does go above and beyond and is such a worthy recipient of this festive thank you.”

The on-air surprises will be broadcast on Heart FM (Breakfast and Drivetime) and Smooth Radio on 13 December. Presenters Amanda Holden, Jamie Theakston, Angie Greaves, Lindsey Russell, Jason King and Kelly Brook have all got on board to spread the festive cheer and show their gratitude to the NHS. Listeners will also hear from other NHS staff and from the loved ones of those receiving these amazing gifts.Two more special surprise moments for inspirational people will take place on Heart Drivetime and Smooth the same day. 

The campaign will be supported by an outdoor advertising campaign that will appear on digital billboards in prominent areas in Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and London, including the Hammersmith flyover. 

NHS Charities Together is the national charity helping the NHS go further. The charity helps take pressure off an overstretched NHS, while supporting our incredible NHS staff and volunteers so that they can continue with their vital life-saving work. We also fund projects that prevent ill health and improve patient services, so that everyone can live well and have access to the best possible health care.   

The lucky recipients have no idea that they [would/ are about to] receive an incredible gift on air. NHS Charities Together has been working closely with their families and colleagues to pull the surprises off and has met people whose lives have been transformed thanks to their dedication. 

NHS Charities Together CEO, Ellie Orton OBE said: “The festive period is a time for giving, and there are few people more deserving than the incredible people of the NHS. They go the extra mile caring for others, not just at Christmas but all year round. I’m delighted we can say huge ’thank you’ to some very inspirational people for everything they do to support projects funded by NHS charities, that truly transform care for staff and patients. 

“The NHS means so much to us all, reaching us at the most important moments of our lives, often when we are at our most vulnerable. Thank you to Starbucks for making this campaign with Global happen, and for helping us showcase these incredible people and the vital role NHS charities are doing to help the NHS survive and thrive.” 

Jacqui Wetherly, Director of Sustainability, at Starbucks UK said: “At Starbucks, we are proud of our ongoing partnership with NHS Charities Together and the work we do together to help support local communities. We’re thrilled to be able to help surprise and delight some truly inspiring people who have gone the extra mile for others – an acknowledgement of their kindness and dedication which has changed the lives of many. Through our partnership with NHS Charities Together, I look forward to finding more ways to have a positive impact on our communities across the UK.”

To find out more about NHS Charities Together and give your own festive gift to the NHS visit https://nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/donate/