More than 80 strangers from around the globe sent thank-yous and good wishes to Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust in response to an appeal from a health care assistant aiming to boost her team’s spirits.

Tori Proost, who works at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, wanted to find a safe, unique and meaningful way to boost her colleagues’ morale as they look after patients.

She received more than 80 photographs from people around the globe, with hand-written messages celebrating ‘#TeamSFH, #Team44 and #TeamWTC’ – with the furthest thank you coming from Sydney, Australia! Some of the touching images were taken in front of famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Central Park in New York and Colorado Springs.

Tori joined a Facebook group, where people around the globe offered to write personal messages, thank yous and words of encouragement to recognise and thank those working for and supporting the Covid-19 response.

She put a request into the Facebook group, asking well-wishers to share their words of encouragement for the NHS, Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, and also Ward 44 and the Welcome Treatment Centre, where she works.

Tori said: “When I saw the Facebook group originally, I knew I had to do something for my colleagues at Sherwood, Ward 44 and the Welcome Treatment Centre. This looked like such a fun way to ‘spread the word’ about the fantastic work all NHS colleagues, including colleagues at Sherwood, have been doing over the last 11 months supporting the nation’s COVID-19 response.

“I’m so happy my colleagues have found these thank yous inspiring and heart-warming – that’s exactly why I did it. I am so proud of Sherwood and my colleagues – and so are over 80 people and families around the world!”

Stephanie Mgadamika, ward leader on Ward 44, and Tracy Smith, department leader at the Welcome Treatment Centre, were extremely grateful to receive the personal thank-you messages from strangers.

Stephanie said: “Following a really difficult 11 months, and heading into another busy period, these photographs provide colleagues with a much-needed boost. These photos remind us all why we work for the NHS, and how our support to the COVID-19 response has been valued and recognised, even as far as Australia and Sri Lanka!”

Tracy is proud to know that Sherwood’s efforts have reached the four corners of the globe. She said: “The pictures of thank yous and encouragement, which are displayed in the Welcome Treatment Centre, has been a wonderful boost for us all.

“Thank you Tori for acknowledging the unprecedented time we’ve all faced, and finding a powerful and special way to thank colleagues. We will enjoy looking at these photographs for many months to come.”