A Slough MBE has joined a campaign fronted by many well-known celebrities for a national 'Thank You Day' later this year.

Tens of thousands of people across the country have already signed up to call for the day to be marked on July 4.

The campaign is aimed at thanking those who have worked throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Slough's Julie Siddiqi MBE has been touched after seeing how teachers have gone above and beyond to support students through the pandemic.

Julie Siddiqi MBE said: “I am lucky to work with faith groups in communities all over the UK. The way people from all backgrounds pulled together over the last year was inspiring and those connections and partnerships are continuing. 

"I want to use Thank You Day to thank teachers. As a parent of teenagers myself I saw how hard their teachers worked to keep them engaged and motivated.

"And as a Governor in two schools I saw it from the other side too. Headteachers and all school staff going over and above their usual jobs. 

“Safeguarding teams in schools all over the country were able spot young people who were really struggling and offer the wrap around support they needed. I was really touched by their efforts. Thank You Day is just what we need to give us an excuse to say a massive thank you.”

The campaign has been backed by household names including the Archbishop of Canterbury, actor Michael Sheen, astronaut Tim Peake, Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, adventurer Bear Grylls and chef and Big Lunch ambassador Ainsley Harriott.

And the call has also received the backing of dozens of national organisations including the Scouts, Girlguiding, Royal Voluntary Service, the FA and the Together Coalition. The NHS will be joining in on July 4th too, following the huge public support for the Health Service on its 72nd anniversary over the same weekend last year.