A CLASS of primary school children have sent letters of thanks to the NHS for Christmas.

Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School, in Horsham, wrote and sent Christmas cards to three hospitals in Sussex.

Deputy head Jamie Ellis said one child suggested sending cards to doctors and nurses during a lesson on letter writing.

“We were showing children the joy of writing a letter and the impact it can have on people receiving it,” he said.

“One of the children said, ‘Let’s write thank you letters to the doctors and nurses’.

"The group got together and said they wanted to thank everyone who works in the hospitals – whether they be surgeons or cleaners – for all the work they do and continue to do.”

The letters were delivered to the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in Worthing, Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

The handwritten messages of thanks included a message from 8-year-old Layla, who said: “I can’t believe you're doing so well. Really hope you get a long break this Christmas to spend some time with your own friends and family.

“We’ll beat Covid next year.”

Nine-year-old Florrie wrote: “I want to say thank you for risking yourself to help others and persevering even though you must be really tired. Thank you for always being there and helping save lives. We really appreciate all of the hard work you do. Remember, keep going because this country really needs you.”

Rory, also nine, wrote: “Thank you for all of your hard work helping all patients who need help from you. Keep going because we really need you. We really appreciate all of it.”

A total of 27 pupils, aged eight and nine, from the Year four class at St Mary’s Primary School took part.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust chief nurse Dr Maggie Davies said: “It was really, really lovely to receive these letters. Everyone is really touched by the messages of thanks that have come from such young children.

“It’s been a tough time, it continues to be a tough time, and when letters like these come through the door, from primary school children, it really does make every one of us feel proud and a little bit better, helps us all keep going.

“I really want to say thank you back to the children, thank you very, very much.”

Letters were also sent to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.