Thameslink's way of saying thanks to Bedfordshire's NHS staff is just the ticket

Train now approaching .. is decked out in a special livery to salute those fighting Covid-19
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Thameslink is paying homage to NHS staff fighting Covid-19 across the UK with a special message on board one of its trains carrying essential workers to and from Bedford and Luton.

The re-branded NHS and Key Worker coaches echo the train operator's 'We’re with You’ promise to around 200,000 key workers and NHS staff relying on their services each week, including those working at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.

Bosses chose the unit numbered 700111 to show thanks for the tireless efforts of the NHS 111 advice line.

Thameslink is paying homage to NHS workersThameslink is paying homage to NHS workers
Thameslink is paying homage to NHS workers

Chief operating officer Steve White said: “There are more than 50 hospitals across our network and we are carrying more than 200,000 key workers each week. The team at GTR appreciates each and every one of them. I am also really proud of our teams, key staff themselves, who have worked so hard to support this project.”

The new liveries were launched to coincide with last Thursday's  Clap for Carers and made a special stop at London Bridge, next door to Guy's Hospital, where rail staff joined in the weekly salute.

Thameslink are operating a reduced timetable during the Covid-19 crisis but pledged to keep trains running for key workers and NHS staff.

A total of 117 patients have so far died after testing positive for Covid-19 at Luton & Dunstable Hospital, including pregnant nurse Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong on April 12.

The 28-year-old worked as a nurse on a general ward at the hospital lfor five years. Her baby, a little girl, was delivered successfully by emergency caesarian but Ms Agyapong later died.