The teenager on a mission to thank NHS workers

Myla showing off some of the gifts for NHS staff with her aunt, Evie, left, and stepdad Lance

A 14-year-old girl is on a mission to thank NHS workers.

Myla has fundraised and used her pocket money to buy gifts for staff at hospitals across the country.

She set up a stall at Lincoln County Hospital earlier, giving out teddy bears, pens and chocolates labelled 'thank you NHS'.

Former nurse Debbie Neale, who worked at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston for 34 years and is now a volunteer, said: "No one has ever just said thank you."

Myla, from Leicestershire, has visited hospitals in her home county, Leicester, Coventry and Nottingham and hopes to spend time in London.

"It's a thank you for the NHS," Mila explained. "I feel like they haven't been appreciated much for what they've been doing.

"We used to clap every week for them during Covid, so why does no one ever say thank you to the NHS anymore?"

Myla set up a stall at Lincoln County Hospital giving out chocolates, teddy bears and pens

Ms Neale added: "I am so moved by Myla's story.

"Myla is a very special young person, who joined in with showing appreciation for NHS workers by clapping and cheering during the pandemic.

"Despite her young age, she asked why the appreciation stopped after lockdown restrictions were lifted. She felt strongly that it needed to continue."

Myla asked her headteacher to help with her mission.

She hosted a day dedicated to celebrating the NHS, where children dressed as NHS staff and learnt about its history. She raised £2,600.

She hopes to make it an annual celebration where all primary schools in the country are involved and started a petition that has already gained 650 signatures.

Myla has also raised more than £2,000 from sponsors when she and other pupils from her primary school painted bricks to say 'thank you NHS'.

Her stepdad, Lance, who drives her to each location, said he is "so proud of her" and supported her when she wanted to use her pocket money and savings to buy labels for the chocolates.

Ms Neale described it as a "selfless act from a grateful young lady".

Hospital workers with some of the gifts donated by Myla

Caroline Landon, group chief operating officer at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, added: "I think it's absolutely fantastic, anything that celebrates our staff we always welcome.

"I know our staff are really happy to come up here and see Myla and all of the marvellous gifts."

One worker said they do not always get the level of appreciation they deserve and gestures such as this "makes us feel like we're doing a good job".

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