Last year’s Avios Thank You Appeal spurred Executive Club Members to donate almost 100 million Avios, bringing the total donation to 305 million Avios for NHS workers as a show of gratitude for their tireless work and commitment

As Covid brought the world to a halt last year, the NHS took on the role of buoying up the country as it battled one of the biggest pandemics in modern history. As a token of our gratitude, our friends at the Avios Group launched the Avios Thank You Appeal, which encouraged Executive Club Members to donate Avios to NHS workers with a sum of 60,000 Avios each for the chance to take off on a richly deserved holiday, enjoy a decadent hotel stay, or hit the road with free Avis car hire.

The campaign ran from May to June 2020, with Executive Club Members raising almost 100 million Avios, bumped up to 305 million by the Avios Group, and which translated to 60,000 Avios for 5,090 health care workers across the UK – enough to redeem two return flights to over 50 European destinations.

From bucket-list getaways, to home visits to see loved ones, NHS workers have revealed how they plan to spend their dreamy Avios reward. Here are a few of their stories...

“At the time Covid first hit I was working on an elderly care ward, which was quickly converted to a Covid-positive ward. I was able to help patients return to being able to sit out of bed, walk, wash their hair and do things that we take for granted for the first time in weeks or even months. When each of our long stayers was discharged, the entire ward would come together and clap them out of the building, which was such a source of light and inspiration. I am due to get married in October and hope to spend my Avios on my honeymoon. It would be a much-needed break for both of us after an intense and difficult year, and an upgrade would be the perfect start to our first holiday as a married couple.”

Aileen, occupational therapist

“As a nurse working with Covid-19, I kept my patients’ confidence up by repeating that we would take on and defeat Covid together. The most rewarding experience of all was seeing my patients declared medically fit for discharge. I’m going to use my Avios towards a ticket home to Ghana soon.”

Emmanuel, nurse

“As a registered nurse I have worked for the NHS for 31 years, my background being in A&E and as a senior sister. My current role is head of emergency planning and, as a large trust with four acute hospitals as well as community and satellite services, we set up a Covid Coordination Centre in order to manage our response. This ensured that there was a single point of contact for all information coming from national and regional teams and a staff advice line – I think at the busiest point I did a 90-hour week. I feel very humble and perhaps a little guilty to receive these Avios, as so many essential workers have gone above and beyond this year. I would like to spend my Avios on a special holiday with my husband to Santorini. Thank you so much for giving these awards to NHS staff. We are truly grateful.”

Kelly, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity

“I am from India and, in the context to the current situation there, I appreciate the efforts that people are making to minimise loss of life. Just the other day, I attended a virtual funeral that took place in India while I was getting ready for my late shift. I work in resuscitation in our Emergency department, and one of the hardest things is knowing that a patient is going to die and telling them that they are going to be fine. I do appreciate your wonderful support and encouragement to all the frontline healthcare staff in the form of Avios.”

Frederick Joshua, emergency nurse

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This article has been tagged BA, Avios