THE daughter of a Leigh doctor who was the first GP in the country to die from coronavirus rallied alongside colleagues to remember frontline heroes on the NHS’s 73rd birthday.

Dr Sarah Zaidi, a GP in Leigh, joined the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a service of commemoration and thanksgiving on the big anniversary, following the passing of her father Dr Habib Zaidi.

The 76-year-old died in Southend Hospital last March, within 24 hours of being taken into intensive care.

But within weeks, Dr Sarah Zaidi was bravely back on the frontline supporting both people in care homes and the wider community in the fight against Covid-19.

She said: “I am most honoured and humbled to be invited to this service. It was the hard work and dedication of every single front- line worker across all our health and care sectors, during unprecedented times that should be recognised.

“I feel proud to be part of something where literally every person in every part of the NHS health and care system, at every level, pulled together and played their part in fighting this pandemic.

“I know my dear Dad, who was dedicated to his community and the NHS for 50 years, would have done and felt the same as I do”.

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The service, held today at St Paul's Cathedral, also recognised the work of Dr Smitesh Patel – GP and vaccination lead in Benfleet.

Dr Patel spearheaded the development of the Covid-19 vax van to reach specific communities who don’t engage with health services easily.

He said: “The past 18 months have been a hugely testing time. NHS staff, supported by volunteers and many others, have done a phenomenal job of vaccinating people, starting with those most at risk.

“The best token of people’s appreciation for the service would be to get a jab if you have not already done so – to protect yourself, your family and your friends.”

While fellow frontline heroes have also shown out in full force to mark the 73rd anniversary of the health service’s foundation, applauding the team for their efforts.

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “July 5 was the NHS’s 73rd birthday and we want to say a big thank you to all the staff who have worked so hard over the last 12 months.

“The coronavirus pandemic means the NHS has been through a year like no other. It has been an extremely challenging year for the NHS, and the country as a whole, but also a year of hope.

“From everyone at Essex Police, thank you.”