SOME 42 frontline NHS staff enjoyed a free weekend away in upper Teesdale in gratitude for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hotels, B&Bs and holiday cottages came together to offer the free getaways last year but had to put it off twice because of successive lockdowns.
However, on the third time of trying they were able to host their guests, who arrived on Friday, November 12.
The frontline health workers were also treated to a meet-an- greet session at the Teesdale Hotel on Saturday evening. Dave Hynes, who organised the getaway, said: “It was good – we had up to 30 people at the reception and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time.”
Mr Hynes thanked G&J News Agent, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, who donated a case of Prosecco for the reception.
He also singled out Teesdale Hotel, Forresters Hotel and Brunswick House for giving upadditional rooms from what they had originally offered when the scheme was launched last year. Mr Hynes also hosted NHS guests at his Quirky Quarry B&B. He said: “The people who were staying with us had a brilliant time – it was very well received and appreciated.”
Jo Parker, an A&E nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital, extended her thanks to “each and every one” who was involved in making the weekend holiday possible. She said: “We had a truly fantastic time and thank you to everyone in upper Teesdale who made us feel so welcome.”
