Professional comedian and TV host Paddy McGuinness today swapped laughs and jokes for a more serious tone, as he joined striking NHS nurses at a Liverpool hospital.
The Top Gear host visited Alder Hey Children's Hospital today, greeted by a number of caregivers posted up outside while participating in industrial action, the result of a long-standing dispute between the NHS and Conservative government over pay and working conditions.
49-year-old Paddy carried a placard reading 'honk if you support fair pay for nursing' as he stood in solidarity with members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Read more: Nurses' strike: How much nurses in Newcastle and the North East get paid
The Mirror reports that the charitable star also brought boxes of hand warmers with him, to assist the striking nurses combat freezing temperatures outside. He also handed out food and flowers while visiting.
Reflecting on the occasion, Sue Middleton, a senior mental health nurse at Alder Hey, said: “The support has been overwhelming, and to have Paddy here was fantastic. He was lovely, posing for selfies with nurses and waving the union placard. He said he’s with us all the way.”
She added: “We’ve had so many people coming and joining us today, bringing us food and hot drinks.”
Some of the nurses on strike also took to Twitter to share their gratitude to Paddy. One wrote: “@PaddyMcGuinness thanks for your support," while another, added: "@PaddyMcGuinness Thank you for showing your support to @RCN staff at @AlderHey today. Coco the dog loved it,“ followed by a red heart emoji.
Another nurse Tweeted a selfie with Paddy and added: “Bad angle but bragging rights , cheers @PaddyMcGuinness, Paddy dropped off food and flowers #NursesStrike #FairPayforNursing #SafeStaffingSavesLives“.
Nurses across England and Wales took action today - the first time the Royal College of Nursing has ever staged a strike in its 106 year history. Tens of thousands of nursing staff walked out after being offered a 4.75 per cent pay rise, which is well below inflation.
Not every hospital in the UK was affected by the strike, as action had to be voted for hospital-by-hospital.
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