'You are all our heroes': Your messages to our amazing NHS workers

They're the people working in our hospitals, GP surgeries and care centres.

They're cleaners, surgeons, porters, nurses, carers, admin staff, doctors and more.

And as Britain faces an unprecedented pandemic, the country has made its appreciation for their incredible work clear.

In recent days we've clapped, cheered and sent messages of thanks to the people who staff the precious public health system that's been there for us, cradle to grave, since 1948.

Here at ChronicleLive, we've teamed up with our sister papers across the country to light up a map of the country with love for the NHS.

We received over 2,000 heartfelt messages from the North East alone, with even more of you leaving hearts on the map to show your love for the service that keeps us all safe.

If you haven't left a message yet there's still plenty of time to do so - you can join the nearly 300,000 people who've shown their support for the NHS.

And we're sharing the stories of the amazing NHS workers in your lives, with a live rolling feed of your photos and stories here:

Here are just a few of the wonderful messages left on the map from the North East:

Clare Nicholson, from Whitley Bay, wrote: "I can’t praise you all enough. You are our heroes and guardian angels and we will be forever in your debt. Please stay as safe as possible."

Louise Sanderson, in Sunderland, said: "Absolutely amazing job - the country will never ever forget the commitment, dedication from each and everyone of you. Thank You."

Many called for greater funding and pay for NHS workers, to go alongside the public shows of gratitude.

Amanda Miller, also from Sunderland, said: "Thank you for all you hard work. Your pay should reflect how much we depend on you. Heroes with invisible capes."

And there were many who wanted to send special thanks to loved ones who work for the service.

Alison, in Newcastle, said: "My husband Richy works for St Nicholas' hospital: big thank you too all the staff who work there."

Sam Hook, from North Northumberland, said: "Thinking of my daughter and all the other heroes, who go to look after others every day. I salute you."

Darren Buckley wrote: "A massive thanks to all the people who clapped and cheered in Morpeth and a special hugs to my wife and her staff at the Freeman hospital."

But perhaps the most moving messages came from those who have experienced the incredible care provided by the NHS in the North East in the most difficult of circumstances.

Karen wrote, quite simply: "You saved my daughter’s life."

Carol, in Houghton le Spring, said: "You are all our heroes - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You saved my baby Kaylee and we are forever grateful - stay safe."

And pledging to following the vital social distancing rules needed to keep us all safe, Stephen Davies said: "You saved my life once before. I promise to do all I can to save your lives and all of those around me."