Spitfire in hospitals flyover to thank NHS workers

A Spitfire plane is flying above hospitals across Scotland to thank NHS staff for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The words ‘THANK U NHS’ have been hand-written onto the plane, which is owned by the Aircraft Restoration Company.

The plane took off from Duxfield Airport in Cambridgeshire at 10am on Wednesday morning, embarking on a journey that will see it fly over 98 hospitals including 25 in Scotland.

The public can also nominate names of loved ones to be written on the plane, which has an 80,000 name capacity, to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

John Romain, founder and managing director of Aircraft Restoration Company, said: “The response to our initial flight over the last 8pm #clapforourcarers Thursday was incredibly humbling, with hundreds of people from the local community sharing how wonderful it was to not
only see the Spitfire, but also to read the message emblazoned across its wings.

“After such (a) positive response we decided to leave the message painted on the Spitfire for the rest of the flying season; this is where the idea to handwrite the names of the nation’s loved ones onto the aircraft to raise money for the NHS Charities Together began.”

The company says the aim of the flight is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.

The Spitfire was specifically built and used for photo-reconnaissance during the Second World War, carrying cameras instead of weapons.

During the 1940’s, Spitfire funds were set up by local communities around the UK and commonwealth countries to encourage a sense of purpose and hope in the struggle against adversity.

The Spitfire’s progress can be followed via the Aircraft Restoration Company’s social media pages and website. To submit a name or donate money visit here.

When does the Spitfire fly past your local hospital?

Wednesday

Annan Hospital – 2.49pm
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary – 2.55pm
Lands at Cumbernauld Airport – 3.15pm

Thursday

Takes off from Cumbernauld Airport – 10am
Royal Edinburgh Hospital – 10.10am
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – 10.11am
Lynebank Hospital, Dunfermline – 10.16am
Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline – 10.17am
Perth Royal Infirmary – 10.24am
Murray Royal Hospital, Perth – 10.25am
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee – 10.30am
Royal Victoria Hospital, Dundee – 10.31am
Stracathro Hospital, Angus – 10.39am
Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen – 10.48am
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – 10.50am
Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin – 11.08am
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness – 11.18am
New Craigs Psychiatric Hospital, Inverness – 11.20am
Lands at Inverness Airport – 11.30am

Takes off from Inverness Airport – 1.30pm
Stirling Community Hospital – 2pm
Forth Valley Hospital – 2.03pm
New Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow – 2.08pm
Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow – 2.10pm
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow – 2.12pm
Laverndale Hospital, Paisley – 2.14pm
Dykebar Hospital, Paisley – 2.15pm
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley – 2.17pm
University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride – 2.20pm
Lands at Cumbernauld Airport – 2.25pm