In 2020, moved by the extraordinary sacrifices made by frontline and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic—and through lived experiences as both clinician and patient—Dr Janindra Warusavitarne and Don Amal Francis set out to create a meaningful way for the public to give back. The result was a global message board where anyone could share appreciation, positive news, and inspirational stories—reaching over 3 million people across 18 countries and personally donating more than £500,000 to the cause.

It soon became clear that while public campaigns could inspire, the real potential for lasting impact lay in delivering appreciation directly to the individuals who make a difference in our lives—especially those so often overlooked. To create meaningful change, the approach needed to be more focused and more personal.

As a practising NHS surgeon and a patient advocate, Janindra and Don made the natural decision to focus on the health sector, drawing on their deep understanding of the culture, pressures, and invisible workloads that keep health services running. In close collaboration with staff, patients, and healthcare leaders, they co-developed ShareGratitude—a simple, accessible way for appreciation to reach staff directly—via personal messages and token gifts, delivered directly to their mobile phones in real time, creating sustainable and lasting impact and benefit to staff.

This immediate, human connection has been proven, not only to boost morale and reduce absence, but also to offer a deeply rewarding experience for patients and families—providing an easy, meaningful and convenient way to thank carers directly.

What began as a public campaign has become a global movement of appreciation and support for our carers and a transformative tool for staff recognition, resilience, and engagement.