Pharmacy Turns Graffiti into NHS Rainbow Mural

A South Shields pharmacy has turned their vandalised shop front into something to be #Proud of during the coronavirus pandemic.

Carter's Chemist, on Fowler Street, was victim to a graffiti attack on their shop front shutters which has now been transformed into a colourful rainbow in support of the NHS.

Not only has Carter's Chemist put a smile on passers-by with its colourful rainbow art, owner, Hassan Malik has also nominated his pharmacy team as part of South Tyneside Council's #ProudtoSupport campaign, which aims to recognise unsung heroes across the Borough.

Hassan and his team have gone above and beyond for the people of South Tyneside by offering deliveries to anyone who doesn't want to come to the pharmacy and have given out 200 free hand sanitisers to residents and key workers.

The team have also put together and donated 50 care packages to vulnerable people which contain masks, gloves, cough mixture and paracetamol.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: "On behalf of the people of South Tyneside, the Mayoress and I would like to convey our gratitude to you for delivering medicine to residents who cannot leave their home and for providing care packages to the most vulnerable.

"It is wonderful to see this team transform a mindless act of vandalism into a symbol of hope during these difficult times. 

"As the Borough's First Citizen, I would like to say a huge personal thank you for being part of our community and for responding to a series of challenges in an extremely positive way. We are extremely #proud."

Carter's Chemist has ensured that patients are looked after to their usual standard during this crisis and continue to help and support many people across South Tyneside.  

Hassan said: "I am extremely proud of my team who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic. They have bravely rallied together and stepped up to support the community.

"We have donated hand sanitisers, creams and chocolates to South Tyneside Hospital and have also provided 100 free face shields to all of the surgeries in South Shields to help with the lack of PPE.

"Following vandalism to the shop front shutter the team transformed the graffiti into an amazing rainbow mural to support the NHS. They are a ray of light in these dark times."