A PRESTIGIOUS royal accolade has been awarded to the entire NHS and a former Cumbrian MP who started the campaign has welcomed the news.

Former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew wrote to Her Majesty the Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021 calling for the entire NHS to receive the George Cross.

The George Cross medal is a rare award given for “acts of meritorious service” and is second only to the Victoria Cross.

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Mr Martlew said in his letters that NHS staff should be rewarded for their bravery during the Covid-19 pandemic where they worked in hospitals and GP practices despite the threat of the deadly virus.

He also started an online petition to garner support for the campaign.

And Her Majesty the Queen awarded representatives of the NHS with the prestigious accolade this week.

Mr Martlew said: “We got a very non-committal but positive response from the palace. I was optimistic then.

“I was glad to see it happen. The thing I am interested in, it isn’t just awarded it goes in a museum in London. It should go around the country so the people who earned it can see it.

“It’s only ever been given twice to an organisation. Once was the island of Malta during the war, they have it on the flag now.

“Another was to the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) after The Troubles.”

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NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and May Parsons, a respiratory services matron attended Windsor Castle for an audience with The Queen on Tuesday, accepting the medal on behalf of all staff.

The George Cross was awarded to the four National Health Services of the UK for their lifesaving work during the pandemic as well as 74 years of service.

Ms Parsons said: “I am so humbled by the lovely messages I have received from people up and down the country, and to meet the Queen herself – this is definitely a day I will never forget!”

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