"Portraits for NHS Heroes" published by Bloomsbury Caravel available in bookshops/online

Tom Croft, a well known portrait artist based in Oxford, @tomcroftartist www.ThomasCroft.co.uk

started this initiative in March, which spread across the country, culminating in this moving tribute to our exceptionally wonderful NHS staff. It serves as a record and celebration of those who are keeping going in very difficult circumstances, many living apart from their partners and families to shield them, and some of whom gave their lives in service. It documents their dedication, resilience, some only able to see their children through a window, and the shear exhaustion and strain, together with so much plastic PPE they are having to wear. Despite this it is an uplifting book, as you can see in their eyes that many are smiling behind the masks.

By taking the project forward, first to a virtual exhibition on Google Arts and Culture, with help from Paintings in Hospitals, (see https://artsandculture.google.com/project/healthcare-heroes) and then to the publication of this book, https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/portraits-for-nhs-heroes-9781448218004/ Tom has made a lasting significant contribution, which will I hope engender greater respect and appreciation for this fantastic organisation. Michael Rosen's introduction provides a moving start, and will I hope, make you feel proud of our democracy and unrivalled NHS. These very special individuals, deserve not only our gratitude, but the best protective equipment, humane working conditions and commensurate pay.

I was really fortunate to hear about the project from my friend @CarolineForward, a talented portrait artist based in Cambridgeshire, www.CarolineForward.co.uk with whom I had the pleasure of sharing a slug infested house when we were at university together! As an amateur artist who has not been to art school I was thrilled to be contacted by NHS workers' colleagues, partners, and individuals requesting portraits. Spending the first lockdown thinking about them, in awe of their expertise, responsabilities and hardships, meanwhile exploring pastels, charcoal, watercolour combinations, and edging nearer to their likenesses, helped me feel I was at least doing something to express my gratitude, however small and inconsequential in the great scheme of things. Like many of us, I owe my life to the NHS.

Below is my portrait of Dr Michael Queffurus in theatre, (included in the book!!), representing the mutual fragility of doctors and patients, during an operation to remove a brain tumour from a young girl, and in the second photo, he holds up the painting, a surprise gift from his partner Stella, from whom he had to live apart to protect her health. It feels shocking that so many of these extraordinary people's lives were put at such risk and disruption, because wet markets continue to spread infections across species that would never be in such close contact under normal circumstances.

So to end, inordinate everlasting thanks to all involved, wishing you all good health, stay safe, and PROTECT OUR UNIQUE AND MUCH LOVED NHS! Please buy the book to support NHS Charities Together!