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A WIRRAL florist created a heart-shaped gift to celebrate 72 years of the NHS and thank health workers for their amazing work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nicola Saverimutto’s idea was just one of so many appreciative ideas shown by the public since lockdown began in March.

People have shown their support in so many ways. They have clapped every week on the doorsteps, made donations ranging from one million teabags, lemon drizzle cakes left on a nurse’s doorstep to rainbow paintings in windows and hospital corridors.

Oxton-based Nicola wanted to continue on her journey of thanks to the NHS by giving a living floral heart to Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust as a birthday gift.

Described by Nicola as ‘a perfect gift of gratitude to all the NHS staff at the Trust and across Wirral’ the floral sculpture was installed at the Trust’s flagship site, St Catherine’s Health Centre in time for the birthday celebration which took place on Sunday.,

It has been designed as a living installation providing joy for many months to come.

Nicola’s first floral heart was donated to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in time for Mother’s day.

It was then at Easter moved to Arrowe Park Hospital and was redecorated with foraged foliage, donated sticks, willow and daffodils from Nicola’s neighbours and the community of the Wirral.

Nicola said: "If the heart symbolises anything it is the huge love and gratitude, that I along with everyone else in the Wirral has for our key workers – whether they be NHS staff, delivery drivers, street cleaners, refuse collectors, shop workers, emergency services, public transport workers, care workers or teachers.

"We thank them all, and hope that when they see the heart they feel our love and thanks in their hearts.

"A simple gesture during a very complicated time.

"Love is all you need."Karen Howell, chief executive at the Trust, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this beautiful floral gift from Nicola and her team for the NHS birthday."Our patients, visitors and staff will be able to enjoy seeing it every time they come to St Catherine’s Health Centre."It is a symbol of the care and love shown by NHS staff and the appreciation we have received from our communities."This year’s anniversary of the NHS is a special time of reflection and thanks to everyone who has supported us.""We’d like to also say a big thank you to all of the local businesses for their support with this project; Arrowe Security, Arfon Rewinds Limited, the team at Bradshaw Electrical, Elerbanks, the staff at Elixir in Oxton, Steve McKay from McKay A & S Ltd and Savi Property Development." Woman, in 30s, found dead in retail park Motorcyclist in hospital after crash in Birkenhead North Misery for children after school announces closure How Wirral’s Covid-19 infection rate compares to Leicester