Vaccination centre near Horsham delivers 10,000 lifesaving jabs

The centre, at Bluecoats Health and Fitness Club hit the milestone on February 19 and officials at the centre have now confirmed the centre has also jabbed 10,000 people.

The centre, set up by the Horsham Collaborative Primary Care Network, is inoculating patients from Courtyard Surgery, Cowfold Surgery, Rudgwick Surgery and The Village Surgery in Southwater.

First set up in mid December the centre runs roughly every Friday and if vaccine supplies allow Wednesdays too.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: “It has been a massive effort across several services and groups.

“We have been supported by former GPs, nurses and pharmacists on their days off, Horsham District Council, The Horsham Volunteer Network, our own volunteers, Tesco at Broadbridge Heath supplying us with food and drink from the very beginning, many great people and businesses across Horsham dropping off refreshments and to say thank you.”

Anne and Tony Saunders marked the 10,000th and 10,001th Covid vaccinations at the centre, given by nurse Jen from the Horsham Collaborative Primary Care Network, the spokeswoman added.

She said: “Anne and Tony met when they were 13 years old in Sutton where they were both born.

“They have been married for 40 years and have three children and five grandchildren; one who was born last week and sadly have not been able to meet because of Covid.”

Tony is a retired Chartered Surveyor and is the Secretary at Horsham’s Masonic Lodge, the spokeswoman said. Tony has been involved in several interesting projects with his wife Anne looking after Tony and the family.

She added: “Tony was involved in the restoration of Windsor Castle for two years after the extensive damage caused in a fire in 1992. He was very happy to have met the royal family several times during his time there and very proud of the work he and the restoration team did.

“Anne and Tony made Horsham their home 13 years ago and like all of us, love Horsham District! Thank you Anne and Tony for helping us mark this special milestone!”