Thanks to all the generous donations funds raised we have beautiful prototypes and several NHS trusts are considering these awards and this Just Giving site made it possible.

This contemporary design, by artist Harry Gray, is called the 'Nightingale Star'. The central red circle with its broken edge is based on the representations we often see in the media of the shape and outline of the covid virus. The blue rays of hand made vitreous enamel maintain an important link with the elegant historic Nightingale badge. The colours refer to the Union Jack.

The medal above is one of the elegant Nightingale badges that were awarded to nurses at the end of their training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas' Hospital from 1925 - 1992. The bright blue colour of the enamel was inspired by the ribbon of the Order of Merit awarded to Florence Nightingale in 1907.

The size of the Nightingale Star was suggested by two staff nurses at the Rowans Hospice near Portsmouth who said they preferred a small wearable pin medal rather than a large medal " that would just stay in a drawer at home".

The Nightingale Star comes in an NHS design and a C for Carers. A third badge, a V for volunteers has also been designed. As well as commemorating their effort this twofold project will also contribute to the economy by paying UK firms to make the Nightingale Star and helping them bounce back from any recession.

Medals are usually made by the Royal Mint which is a Government owned company. Instead we believe the Nightingale Star pin badge should be made by non Government companies and paid for without diverting funds away from healthcare.

These badges would be made in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, home of the finest handmade vitreous enamel work in the UK. Harry Gray approached Fattorini, a company at the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, to make prototypes of his design. Fattorini has been making prestigious Nurses badges and medals since 1827. When a large order like the Nightingale Star is required the manufacturers in Birmingham come together to work as a team, keeping traditional skills alive.

This is a not for profit project. If it does not succeed then excess monies raised will join Sir Colonel Tom Moore's millions in NHS Charities Together fund.

"The Nightingale Star should be for everyone who works in the NHS and our Care Workers at the time of the coronavirus, from frontline staff to the hospital porters "

"I designed and carved The Battle of Britain monument on the white cliffs near Dover and as beating the Covid virus will be another national battle I will also begin work making designs for a permanent Nightingale monument to honour the Doctors, Nurses, Carers and Volunteers of the NHS who fought the pandemic." www.harrygray.co.uk