Covid star medal is being given to 13,500 health workers
Harry hopes to distribute the Covid stars to NHS and care staff across the UK
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An artist who wanted to thank NHS staff for their work during the pandemic has designed a special ‘Covid star’ medal which is being given to 13,500 health workers.
Harry Gray, 58, spent two years designing the blue and red emblems that he wants to be awarded nationally.
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All 13,500 staff and volunteers at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge are receiving the stars this week in recognition of their courage and dedication during the Covid pandemic.
Harry hopes to distribute the Covid stars to NHS and care staff across the UK as a way to “honour those who served on the frontline”.
Harry said: “It’s for everyone – the cleaners, porters and linen staff – the hospital runs because everyone does their bit.
“The pandemic has been such an enormous event and it’s important to mark the big events. I hope it becomes an heirloom. Some nurses were saying their grandchildren will be arguing over keeping it.
“I’d like to see it roll out nationally, that would be great.”
Harry, a sculptor from Cambridge, was inspired by the NHS staff’s treatment for him when he suffered a broken leg last year and when his Dad fell unwell.
While on the wards with hospital staff, Harry often heard the phrase ‘they deserve a medal’ so decided to design something to thank them.
Nurse Shirley Fordham, 63, has worked at the hospital for 38 years and received her Covid star this week.
Shirley said: “I love my job, and that is what this boils down to. I can assure you that if your loved one or relative was here, I would do my absolute utmost.
“We have to show warmth, we have to show compassion – it’s not trainable – it’s either in your or it isn’t. I am 63 but I promise to carry on as long as possible. Addenbrooke’s is in my blood.”
The shape of the Covid Star is the Maltese Cross, a motif used by St John’s Ambulance and the Nightingale Badge of St Thomas’ Hospital.
The Covid star includes a subtle reference to the Covid-19 molecule to represent the spiked surface of the virus, which is now being successfully targeted by lifesaving vaccines.
In a message to staff, hospital boss Roland Sinker said: “Whatever your role has been during this time, you have made a difference.
“We know many of you have suffered loss, made personal sacrifices to continue your work, changed the way you work, worked in unfamiliar areas of the hospital, and extended your services to provide care to patients; everyone has been affected in some way and everyone has a story to tell.
“The last two years have changed us, and the world, forever. You are a hugely valued part of our CUH family. We are simply in awe of you.”
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Each Covid Star costs £12.50 and is being paid for by CUH. In addition, each member of staff has been given a one-off recognition payment of £147 (before tax).
The Covid stars are hand made in Birmingham by specialist jeweller Thomas Fattorini, which was awarded a royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008 as a manufacturer of Insignia, Honours and Awards
Harry has petitioned to distribute the Covid stars nationwide and has garnered 1,518 signatures since his colleague launched the appeal last year.
Harry Gray Sculptor
Harry Gray is working with Thomas Fattorini to make the Covid Stars. At the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter and established in 1827, Fattorini is famous for making the most prestigious awards for the NHS and the Care sectors.
Over 80,000 Covid Stars were ordered by 7 major NHS trusts
Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals
Leeds and York NHS partnership
King’s College Hospital NHS Trust
Central North West London NHS Trust
Oxford NHS partnership
Cornwall Partnership NHS foundation trust
For more information about commissioning the Covid Star contact Harry via email – hg@harrygray.co.uk
The story behind the design of the Covid Star
Harry was treated in hospital in March 2020, just before the first national lockdown. Despite receiving excellent care, he could already see the strain on NHS staff. While on the wards, Harry often heard the phrase ‘they deserve a medal’ directed to staff so he decided to design one.
The shape of the Covid Star is the Maltese Cross, a familiar and ancient motif used by many including St John’s Ambulance and the Nightingale Badge of St Thomas’s. By using this classic form, he has linked the Covid Star with the Nation’s historic symbols for rewarding and celebrating care.
Yet Harry’s is also a very contemporary design for at its centre is a circle with a scalloped rim which is a subtle reference to the spiked protein surface of the Covid-19 molecule, now successfully targeted by lifesaving vaccines. The C is for both the NHS and the Care Workers who have cared for us during the covid pandemic.
Above are the Florence Nightingale badge of St Thomas’s and the St John’s Ambulance badge both using the Maltese cross form. Below is Harry’s contemporary design showing the subtle reference to the spiked surface of the virus molecule.
The Covid Stars are handmade using genuine glass enamel which, unlike resin, gives amazing depth of colour and a durability to ensure the Covid Star lasts long enough to be treasured for generations.
Harry consulted NHS nurses and Care Workers in the creation of his design. NHS staff nurses at the Rowans Hospice, near Portsmouth, who were caring for Harry’s father said they preferred the idea of a smaller, pin-badge size, rather than a larger medal “that would just stay in drawer at home”. As a result, Harry changed the design to the Covid Star to be a wearable size.
The response of NHS staff and Carers has been overwhelming; they absolutely love the Covid Star as you can see in the video above.