Alice wins NHS postcard contest

Alice’s winning postcard design, which praises the NHS heroes.

The winning artistic creations, which show gratitude to NHS staff for their dedication and care during the coronavirus pandemic, were unveiled by a panel of judges last week.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) challenged young people to come up with their postcard designs to show their appreciation during the lockdown period in April.

The competition, which was sponsored by Lincoln-based businesses Selenity and Ruddocks, offered prizes for the best designs across four age categories.

Alice Keeling (14) attends QEGS Horncastle.

The winner of the 11-14 age category was Alice Keeling (14), who attends Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Following her success, Alice told of her love of drawing and painting.

She said: “I especially like portraits. I’ve never entered any competitions before  but I’m glad I did this time and it’s nice to be part of the thank-you message. I also love reading and I’ll be buying myself books with the prize.”

Alice and the three other winners – who are not from the local area – each received a £25 Amazon voucher, a framed copy of their printed postcard, and 20 copies of their design to share with family and friends.

A further seven runners-up –including Mollie Tunnicliffe (18) from Louth – received a £10 Amazon voucher and a framed print of their design.

LCHS chief executive Maz Fosh said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter this competition.

“The messages and gestures of support we have received over the last few months, while our staff work in very difficult circumstances, have been truly humbling and we have been bowled over by the wonderful creations sent in for the competition.

“I am proud to say the winning designs will soon be brightening up the walls of our offices, hospitals and clinics as a permanent reminder of how our NHS colleagues and our wider communities have come together to support each other.”

Neil Everatt, the chief executive officer of Selenity, said: “It has been a privilege to show our support for the amazing people that make the NHS what it is.”

Ruddocks’ managing director Paul Banton added: “We were delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative to thank and recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism the NHS.