CheersNHS
1451. Joe Tannorella
Joe Tannorella, from Cardiff, has developed ‘CheersNHS’, a digital platform enabling members of the public to buy takeaway meals for NHS and emergency services staff.
Joe wanted to use his experience as a developer to provide a way of giving something back to frontline workers as a small gesture of support and appreciation. ‘CheersNHS’ allows NHS staff to sign up and receive a voucher, donated by a member of the public, for a takeaway meal. Over 1,250 meals worth over £25,000 have so far been donated.
In a personal letter to Joe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I want to congratulate you on your brilliant use of technology, giving people a new way of thanking our extraordinary NHS workers, while also helping hundreds of restaurants and businesses.
“Through “CheersNHS” over £25,000 of takeaway meals have now been safely donated to our doctors, nurses and emergency workers.
“Your story is a wonderfully uplifting example of the many resourceful ways in which people have come together to support our frontline workers, and I am delighted to recognise your service to others by naming you as the UK’s 1451st Point of Light.”
Joe said:
“I am so overwhelmed and honoured to be receiving this award. When the lockdown started I, like many others, wanted to find a way to say a tangible and heartfelt thank you to the NHS heroes battling COVID-19 on the frontline on our behalf. Thanks to our amazing team of volunteers who gave up their evenings and weekends building it, CheersNHS provides the platform that has so far seen over 1,250 takeaways gifted to NHS workers from the general public and our wonderful sponsors. Over a thousand takeaways donated from one stranger to another stranger who have never, and will never meet, along with kind words of thanks and appreciation. This project has really opened my eyes up to the kindness that exists in the world today.”