The medal awarded to the NHS following the pandemic to recognise the heroism of staff is going on tour - and will be going on display in Manchester.
The country's health service was awarded the George Cross, the UK's highest civilian gallantry medal, by the late Queen. Buckingham Palace said it wanted to honour the “courage, compassion and dedication” of NHS staff and volunteers, during the pandemic as well as the work of the NHS since it was established in 1948.
It was only the third time ever in British history the medal has been granted to an organisation. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard and May Parsons, a matron for respiratory services who delivered the world's first approved COVID vaccination, received the honour on behalf of the NHS by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in Windsor Castle last July.
And the medal, currently stored at Windsor Castle, is to tour the country to mark the NHS's 75th birthday, including a stay in Manchester, where patients, staff, and members of the public will be able to view the historic accolade up close.