As the UK marks the 72nd anniversary of the NHS a giant rooftop message saying “Thank you” is greeting visitors when they gaze towards the biomes of the Eden Project.

The sign, in four-metre high white letters alongside a blue heart, has been created by the Eden team to show its gratitude to everyone helping people and communities through the coronavirus pandemic and all the challenges that have arisen from it.

The landmark anniversary date is being celebrated in many ways around the country, encouraged by the Together coalition, www.together.org.uk

The aim is to remember those who have been lost, thank all those who are helping the country get through the crisis and bring people together in a national moment of connection. A big focal point will be a nationwide clap for the NHS at 5pm today.

As well as the “Thank you” sign, Eden is lighting up the biomes blue this weekend.

Peter Stewart, the Eden Project’s campaigns and communications director, said: “We are joining in the spirit of the national moment and showing our appreciation to all the unsung heroes of the age with a bold and simple statement of thanks.

“We thank the selfless people who are helping the country through the crisis, all those in our wonderful NHS, the care workers, the key workers, the volunteers, the neighbours, the family members and friends.”

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On behalf of Eden, Peter also said thanks to visitors and members for supporting Eden by coming to the project and the staff teams who worked hard to reopen the outdoor gardens.

The Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome and Core education centre reopened yesterday (Saturday) - the first time the public has been able to visit Eden’s indoor spaces since lockdown.

The “thank you” message has been painted on the roof of the building that links the Biomes and can be seen from various high vantage points around the former clay quarry.

Eden is welcoming in NHS and care workers free of charge - but they must be pre-booked.

Falmouth Packet:

Pre-booking online is also essential for existing Eden Project Members and Passholders while new visitors can also book via the website, www.edenproject.com, but availability is limited.

Timed ticketing has been introduced to stagger entries and help maintain effective social distancing.

During national lockdown, Eden brought neighbours together in a safe way on June 6 and 7 by running The Big Virtual Lunch.

Six million people took part last year in The Big Lunch - Eden’s biggest outreach programme – the thanksgiving weekend for neighbours and communities.

In recent weeks Eden staff have also been among teams of volunteers transforming the gardens of care homes run by Cornwall Care. Eden, Cornwall Care and The Cornwall College Group have worked closely together on the scheme.

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