Plymouth medical student creates video to lift healthcare staff's spirits
It pays homage to NHS staff, with students holding up messages of thanks
A medical student inspired by the work she has seen on placement has produced a video to help lift the spirits of healthcare staff this festive season.
Kathryn Fu, in her third year in Peninsula Medical School at the University of Plymouth, came up with the idea of recording Mariah Carey's 'Hero' during the initial lockdown.
The video pays homage to NHS staff past and present - with students holding up messages of thanks amid photos from healthcare settings around the UK.
The piece also contains 'thank you' messages from celebrities Mark Wright, Gemma Collins and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The vocals were provided by fellow students from across the University's Faculty of Health, along with healthcare professionals from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT).
"It's been such a tough year for everyone, and the news of a second strain of the virus has made it even more so. But all NHS staff - from clinicians to people in office-based roles - have been truly amazing.
"I've done placements in departments ranging from cardiology to substance abuse, and everyone has been incredible, both in providing patient care and helping me with my learning experience.
"As a third-year, I haven't worked directly with any COVID-19 patients, but we all know the extra pressure that the virus has placed on all aspects of healthcare delivery. Watching staff work so selflessly and tirelessly has been beyond inspirational."
Kathryn Fu - Medical Student at Peninsula Medical School
Each of the 20 participants recorded their parts individually at home - as they could not meet in person due to COVID-restrictions.
The vocals were arranged by Samuel Adedero, a University of Manchester medical student who intercalated in music at Plymouth.
The video then finishes with a testimony from Dr Poorna Gunasekera, Associate Dean (International) of the Faculty of Health, and one of Kathryn's lecturers, who contracted and recovered from COVID-19 earlier in the year.