17 Apr 7-YEAR OLD BOY FROM ESSEX ASKS FOR SUPPORT TO GET ‘THANK YOU NHS’ FILM INTO BRITISH NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVES
A 7-year-old boy whose life was saved by the NHS after he suffered six cardiac arrests has asked for the public’s support to help get his film thanking the NHS entered into the British National Film Archives during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Joshua Newman from Chelmsford was born prematurely at Broomfield Hospital, with severe heart complications which left him fighting for his life. As part of a competition to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Josh told Healthwatch Essex about his healthcare hero, Dr Babu.
The charity subsequently filmed an emotional reunion (prior to COVID-19) as part of Josh’s heartfelt thank you to the NHS. The short film, which was captured entirely on phone cameras and with no budget, has made the final of the National Charity Film Awards, with the winners due to be announced on Tuesday 21st April 2020. The winning films will be entered into the British National Film Archives; stored for future generations to view and a record of British life in the year 2020.
The People’s Choice Award is decided entirely by public vote and the film can be viewed here: https://charityfilmawards.com/videos/joshua-his-healthwatch-hero
Rachel Horton-Smyth, Communications Lead at Healthwatch Essex, said: “This film celebrating the very best of the NHS captures a very special moment in time for Josh’s family. But more broadly, it captures the mood of the nation today.
“It would be incredible – and entirely appropriate – if a film celebrating the NHS and saying thank you to the amazing individuals who work within it, was entered into the British Film Archives in the year that public sentiment and support for the NHS has never been higher.”
Suzy Newman, Josh’s mum, said: “Ever since Josh was born, we have been campaigning to thank the NHS and raise money for the charities which support it. Josh has been such an active part of that work and it would mean the world to him if people got behind the film and voted for it.
“The film is a story of hope – one which I hope will resonate with families all over the country – more so now than perhaps ever before. It is also a powerful reminder of all that is great about the NHS; there will never be enough words for me to thank them for all that they’ve done for us. I suspect, across the country today, there will be many others who feel exactly the same.”
Joshua said: “The doctor fixed my heart which is really good because I would have died. I want to say a massive, massive thank you to the NHS, for all that they have done for me and all that they are doing for the country at the moment.
“They are amazing and I want us to win the award so that everyone can see how brilliant they are. Please vote for us!”
