Florence Nightingale bicentenary: Helena Bonham Carter urges public to buy white roses to honour nurses

12 May marks the birth of Florence Nightingale and International Nurses Day

(Getty Images for Netflix)

Helena Bonham Carter has called on the public to show their support for nurses by purchasing a symbolic white rose.

The Crown actress, 53, says supporting the Florence Nightingale initiative is a simple way to help fund the work of nurses and midwives.

Bonham Carter, whose great great grandmother was Nightingale's aunt, says people could use the gesture to "thank a particular nurse or midwife who has meant a lot to them".

"Buying a white rose is a simple way to honour our nurses and midwives," she added.

"We must never forget the sacrifice they make on an everyday basis during this time.

"My late father was nursed at home for 24 years by hundreds of different nurses. I'm indebted to every one of them. That is why I'm buying shedloads of roses!"

Tuesday 12 May marks the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale's birth. It is also the date International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world.

To mark the occasion, the Florence Nightingale Foundation has launched a white rose appeal.

The organisation is asking the public to help support nurses by buying a special e-white rose for £5.

The Foundation says that a white rose "symbolises hope and rebirth" while Nightingale was also known to wear white rose perfume.

Once lockdown ends, a floral display with real roses at Westminster Abbey will be unveiled, "marking and honouring the contribution of nurses and midwives everywhere".

At least 100 NHS workers have died during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the BBC.

Among them are nurses Rebecca Mack, 29, Liz Glanister, 68, Areema Nasreen, 36, Aimee O’Rourke, 39, Donald Suelto, Elsie Sazuze and Gareth Roberts, 65.

You can support the white rose appeal by following this link.