People pour out of their homes in Harborough to salute a massive convoy honouring our NHS heroes

People poured out of their homes in Market Harborough on Thursday night to salute a massive convoy honouring our NHS heroes.

Men, women and children stood, clapped and cheered as the 60-vehicle cavalcade wound its way through Harborough, Lubenham and Marston Trussell.

The bumper-to-bumper stream of trucks, vans, tractors, sweepers and cars swept along street after packed street as families stepped out to applaud NHS staff as well as critical workers.

Adam Hutcheson, of Northampton Road-based Peppers Metal Recycling, helped to set up the totemic event alongside close mates Craig Davies and Dave Bown.

“At least 60 vehicles from all over the area came along to take part – we had an absolutely fantastic turnout.

“The night itself couldn’t have gone any better,” thrilled Adam told the Harborough Mail.

“We were stunned by the number of people who tumbled out of their homes all over Harborough as well as Lubenham and Marston Trussell to salute us.

“To see the kids’ faces alone made it all worthwhile.

“These poor kids have been locked up for weeks.

“They just loved seeing all these big old trucks and tractors steaming along with the crews tooting and waving back as they went.

“This is all about saying a massive thank-you to our hero NHS workers.

“But it’s so positive, too, to help generate such amazing community spirit and to see so many people coming together – while still safely keeping their social distance.”

The incredible convoy set out from the Innovation Centre on Leicester Road on the northern edge of town before heading past St Luke’s Hospital.

“We were given a rousing reception as we passed the police and ambulance stations.

“Police officers and ambulance crews came out to clap us with their blue lights flashing,” said Adam, of Market Harborough.

“We drove on to Farndon Road, Welland Park Road, then on to Springfield Street.

“We then nosed on to Great Bowden Road, along the Ridgeway on to Burnmill Road and up to Alvington Way.

“We headed back down Leicester Road on to Coventry Road and on to Lubenham.

“There half of us turned right down Foxton Road while Craig’s sweepers returned to their yard at Marston Trussell.”

The big-hearted dad-of-three said they had given Harborough an unforgettable NHS lap of honour thanks to overwhelming public demand.

“We had planned to stop after the week before.

“But we were inundated with so many messages from local people asking us to go again that we just had to do it,” smiled Adam.

“We all know people who have suffered with their mental health during this coronavirus lockdown.

“It’s a weird time, a terrible time.

“People who have suffered have been telling us that it gives them such a huge lift to see us powering past.”

NHS convoy organisers are also raising cash to support Market Harborough foodbank and have already raked in over £645 after smashing their £500 target.

“More people than ever are counting on the town’s brilliant foodbank for help so we are determined to help support the people who run it,” said Adam.

If you would like to get behind the effort then visit their fundraising page here:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/k2-recovery

These are just some of the local companies proud to take part in Thursday night’s convoy:

JCS, Jones Cleaning Services

Luke Pepper

CJ Sweepers

CJH Aggregate

TNR Haulage

Harborough Hire

K2 Recovery

Diamond Mowers

Caroles Driver Training

Nathan Perry Carpentry

Martron Engineering

Crouch Recovery

MJB Support Services Ltd

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