Good News Worth Sharing: NHS Staff Are Being Offered Free Holidays In A New Campaign To #TreatOurNHS

A new initiative to thank the NHS for their work and sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic has been started by the travel industry using the hashtags #TreatOurNHS and #MyTravelPledge. Hotels and tourism firms are offering free stays at their accommodation for NHS staff when lockdown rules and travel bans are lifted, with some extending the offer to all frontline workers.

Started by Sarah White, the owner of a self-catering studio called The Hayloft in Devon, the campaign began as her personal act of gratitude offering a two-night stay for two in her studio for NHS staff, with the public able to nominate NHS workers or themselves using the hashtag #treatournhs.

‘I wanted to do something to give back to the NHS and decided to offer a two-night stay for two,’ she told the Guardian. ‘I put it on Instagram and was overwhelmed by the response from others in the industry also wanting to say thank you. New people are constantly coming on board with amazing giveaways.’

Now, a number of different properties have jumped on the initiative. With the campaign growing fast, there’s sure to be even more offers and extended periods to enter. One of the newer options, for example, is a week stay for four in a Mallorca apartment.

Not only that, but local businesses have too jumped in to offer their support, giving away free meals and gifts to the winners. ‘The travel industry has been so hard hit by the pandemic but the generosity I’m seeing is heart-warming,’ White continued. ‘The messages I’m getting from nurses and others in the NHS are so moving, too: they say we’re offering a light at the end of the tunnel.’

Hotels onboard include Francombe Estate in the Cotswolds – offering overnight stays, spa days and afternoon teas at their three hotels – as well as Cherry Tree Hotel in Paignton and Thirlestane Castle in Scotland.

In Spain, owners of a B&B called Casa Higueras near Granada have also launched a similar campaign called #MyTravelPledge, with local properties offering free short breaks to healthcare workers and NHS staff. There are 17 properties now available, with companies offering guided treks also signing up and transfer company Airport Transfers Malaga donating free rides. While international travel isn’t included, two private donors have promised to cover at least two flights.

‘We wanted to offer a break to someone who deserves it most and – once people can start travelling again – to show people Spain is waiting to welcome them,’ said Casa Higueras co-owner Ian Rutter. ‘We’re delighted by how quickly the idea has grown and the quality of what is being offered.’

With initiatives like this growing by the day, it seems businesses are making up for the rewards NHS staff so desperately deserve.

In response to an overwhelming news cycle, Grazia will collate good news stories from all corners of the internet to give our readers (and ourselves!) a break from the constant barrage of worrying news.

We can’t hide from what’s happening, in fact we’ll still be covering the news on site and social and staying informed about the latest developments, but our Good News Worth Sharing series will be a safe haven and a place to spread some positivity.

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