London’s landmark stations turn blue as a famous voice thanks NHS workers

Landmark railway stations across London turned blue on the night of Thursday 23 April as part of Network Rail’s weekly tribute to NHS workers and frontline staff during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

London Waterloo and London Bridge stations were bathed in blue lights while a projection thanking the country’s NHS heroes, many of whom travel to work through these stations every day, was shone onto the front of London Victoria and Charing Cross.

Charing Cross railway bridge was also turned blue.

In addition, NHS staff and other key workers, who cannot work from home and were using the stations to travel to and from work, heard the voice of Gary Lineker broadcast across the stations. His message, recorded in his own time for free, said: “Thank you to all our NHS and key workers – you are the best, we love you all and we will be forever in your debt.”

More famous voices are planned to join Gary’s, giving passengers a boost as they pass through the stations.

The iconic clock on the concourse at Waterloo, the western arcade at London Bridge and the façade of Clapham Junction also turned blue at 8pm, as station staff joined the nation in clapping to show support.

Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy said: “Network Rail is delighted to turn our stations and structures blue in support of the NHS, our public services (including our railways), and the brave and selfless people who deliver them 24/7.

“Thanks to all our colleagues who’ve made this happen.”

Nicole Cohen-Wray, interim director of stations for Network Rail Southern Region, said: “The NHS and other essential workers are doing an incredible job for our country and turning our stations blue to demonstrate our appreciation for their sacrifice is the least we can do.

“Our stations are normally some of the busiest in the country, but we are so pleased that people have listened to Public Health England advice to stay at home to save lives – it helps keep our staff and the people who hear and see these thank you messages safe.”

In a normal year, Waterloo, Victoria, London Bridge and Charing Cross stations see around 245 million passengers pass through them – an average of 670,000 a day – but numbers are down by approximately 95 per cent since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.