Inspirational Cross – roads by Janek Dubowski

There have always been those, with open hearts, that give.

That they continue, through peril and travail, with their giving, inspires us all.

I believe it was the open giving of care, expertise and experience,

Given to those who desperately need it, by our NHS staff, that

Inspired Captain Tom during this most difficult of years.

But Captain Tom had also given, through his service in the Army, in

That awful Second World War and we acknowledge the dept we owe

Him and his generation, also.

It is this intersection, this cross-road, where someone who knew, from

Personal experience, the price of sacrifice and giving, and generosity of heart.

He, in turn, found a way to support those, at this time of Covid, who

Have been called upon to open up their hearts, and to give more than can be expected.

Our Nurses, Doctors, Carers, Hospital Cleaners, Porters, Therapists of every kind, that

Tend the sick and ease the way for the dying.

So, I have created this cross and this medal to symbolise how these two very different

Kinds of sacrifice, that of Captain Tom, the soldier, and that of our NHS staff, coincide.

The ‘Medal’ is like one of those worn by the good Captain, the ribbon, is taken from a

WWII medal. The ‘medal’ part itself, however, is a Nurses pendant-watch.

I might wish to call it, ‘the Captain Tom Medal’. And I know who I would award it to.