As clubs come together to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the NHS, famous EFL fans, The Kaiser Chiefs, will perform a special rendition of Happy Birthday to be shown in stadiums ahead of all fixtures taking place this weekend.
The League and its Clubs will unite with a number of other sporting organisations across the country to thank NHS staff, fellow key workers, good neighbours and countless others playing their part in tackling the Coronavirus pandemic.
The video message from The Kaiser Chiefs will be played prior to kick-off and will be followed by a period of applause from players and staff at all fixtures taking place from 3-5 July.
Clubs will also join in the anniversary celebrations across their digital channels this weekend and at 5pm on the 5 July, fans are encouraged to come together on their doorsteps and applaud the commitment, courage and sacrifice shown by so many.
Simon Rix, Kaiser Chiefs, said: “As football fans we are delighted to be able to join with EFL Clubs this weekend and help commemorate the 72nd Birthday of the NHS.
“Key workers and NHS staff have provided important lifelines for people in communities across the country and we’re grateful to have been approached to be a part of this weekend’s activity and say our own special thank you to those who have been and continue to work on the frontline throughout the pandemic.”
English Football League Chair, Rick Parry, said: "The EFL is proud to unite with other UK sporting organisations this weekend to say a collective, and simple, thank you to NHS staff and key workers across the nation for their heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we have all tried to navigate our way through the uncertainty of the last few months, NHS staff and other key frontline workers have kept our communities going and everyone associated with the EFL and our Clubs is incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment in deeply challenging times.
“We will stand together with the rest of the country in demonstrating our support whilst also taking a moment to remember those members of NHS staff and the key worker community who are no longer with us as a result of this dreadful virus.”
The NHS will mark 72 years since its foundation on 5 July after the most challenging year in the health service’s history. Staff have pulled out all the stops to care for the 100,000 patients with COVID-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and treating countless others besides while redesigning services and creating the Nightingale hospitals.
The NHS wants to use the anniversary to thank everyone who contributed to the huge national effort from the bus drivers, shop worker, refuse collectors, social care staff and teachers who kept the country running to all those who stopped the spread of the virus by following the expert advice and staying home to save lives.