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In pictures: Nationwide clap celebrates 72nd anniversary of NHS

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and #ClapForCarers founder Annemarie Plas led the commemoration from the doorstep of Number 10.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and #ClapForCarers founder Annemarie Plas led the commemoration from the doorstep of Number 10. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and #ClapForCarers founder Annemarie Plas led the commemoration from the doorstep of Number 10.

People across the UK have come together to clap in celebration for key workers on the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 NHS staff outside the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The nationwide clap had been organised following a letter from the Together coalition, in which influential figures including NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voiced their support for making July 5 an official day of commemoration.

Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Sir Simon said he hoped the public will use the anniversary as an opportunity to “say a heartfelt thank you” to hospital staff.

Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and #ClapForCarers founder Annemarie Plas led the commemoration from the doorstep of Number 10.

Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 Boris Johnson and Annemarie Plas outside 10 Downing Street (Victoria Jones/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Victoria Jones/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Gareth Fuller/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 Dogs outside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Coronavirus – Thu Jun 4, 2020
Coronavirus – Thu Jun 4, 2020 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Coronavirus – Thu Jun 4, 2020
Coronavirus – Thu Jun 4, 2020 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge apply hand sanitiser during a visit to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn as part of the NHS birthday celebrations (Joe Giddens/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Joe Giddens/PA)
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020
Coronavirus – Sun Jul 5, 2020 (Joe Giddens/PA)