Moving superhero gesture that helped worried children of Doncaster nurse through coronavirus crisis

Thomas, aged seven, knew enough about the virus to worry when his friends at Bessacarr Primary School were going to be at home as part of national efforts to stop the illness spreading.

With mum Victoria, and dad Barry, working as nurses, Thomas and younger sister, Sophie, aged four, had to go into school today.

But grateful Doncaster Royal Infirmary employee Victoria revealed a friend solved the problem with a moving gesture – sending superhero accessories and a note describing them as stay-at-school superheroes

It added: “Mummy and daddy already have uniforms, but Tom, there is a mask for you, and Soph, there is a wand of love for you. With your superhero efforts, it won’t be long before the evil coronavirus is defeated.”

Victoria said: “Before they shut schools, Thomas had swimming and football cancelled. He understood a bit about the virus, but not a lot. He kept saying he had a tummy ache, and didn’t want to go school because of coronavirus. Then we had to tell him they would both be going in next week.

“He was really upset. I mentioned it to another school mum, Kate Chan. She thought of telling the children they were being strong, and made a superhero mask for Thomas and a magic wand for Sophie.

“They absolutely loved it – it made them feel special and at ease. They didn’t wear them at school, but Thomas wore the mask last night, and Sophie turned me into a frog several times last night with her wand!

“They went to school much happier today. That helped me, because you feel guilty. People are being so kind towards NHS staff, and that’s humbling. We don’t feel special but people are being lovely. Others are doing their bit by staying at home, which is important too.

“I want to praise the school – they’re fantastic. They’ve been really accommodating about when we take the children in, because I work shifts. We’re grateful to staff there. We couldn’t go to work without them.”

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