Health bosses have written letters to the children of hero NHS workers fighting coronavirus on the frontline, describing their mums and dads as 'complete legends'.
"Your love and support and understanding is helping them get through a really difficult and challenging time at work," read the lovely letters.
"Your love, hugs, laughter, smiles, jokes (and lots of good behaviour!?) at home are really helping your parents."
The touching gesture from the Northern Care Alliance was revealed on social media.
The NHS group provides a range of healthcare services including five hospitals and associated community services - Salford Royal, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Fairfield General in Bury, Rochdale Infirmary and North Manchester General Hospital.
NHS staff are working long hours in unprecedented conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many have told how they have had to leave their family homes - and their children - to safeguard against the spread of the virus.
Heath secretary Matt Hancock confirmed on Saturday the deaths of 19 members of NHS staff but sadly, that figure is now believed to have increased.
Locked-down communities are paying tribute to the professionalism and hard work of all NHS staff by clapping aloud on their doorsteps on Thursday evenings and rainbow pictures are being put up in windows and doors in a united show of support.
The letters to children read: "We want to say a massive thank you for being part of the Northern Alliance team.
"You may not realise it, but your parent/loved one is a complete legend and we would like to tell you why.
"Our organisation is facing one of the biggest challenges ever faced by the NHS and your mum/dad/loved one might be a doctor or nurse, process our test results, push poorly patients in a wheelchair, change beds, help worried relatives or work more behind the scenes.
"Whatever their role, they are strong, brave and incredible and we couldn't do this without them.
"You might not realise this, but you are also a really important part of the NCA team.
"Your love and support and understanding is helping them get through a really difficult and challenging time at work.
"Your love, hugs, laughter, smiles, jokes (and lots of good behaviour!?) at home are really helping your parents.
"It means they fell much happier and stronger when they come into work and they can do an even better job of helping people.
"If you're still going to school, here's an extra special thank you because this also really helps the team out by allowing your mum/dad/loved one to come in to work and do their jobs.
"We've got lots more busy times ahead of us but we know we can get through this because we've got brilliant team members like you and your mum and dad.
"Thank you so much for being part of our team and keep up the good work at home."
The letters are signed by Raj Jain, chief executive of the group, alongside an image of a rainbow.
On Sunday, it was confirmed the Covid-19 death toll across the UK has passed 10,000.
The National Health Service has built a 648- bed field hospital for the treatment of Covid-19 patients at the historical railway station terminus which now forms the main hall of the Manchester Central Convention Centre - Nightingale North West.
The facility was opening today and will treat patients from across the North West of England, providing them with general medical care and oxygen therapy after discharge from Intensive Care Units.
