Tooting woman wins battle to keep NHS mural up until June

The Optivo Housing Association has today confirmed on social media that a Tooting woman's NHS mural can remain intact until June.

Susan Lazenby, a resident of Gearing Close, started work on the NHS mural during the first lockdown as she was shielding due to previous heart conditions.

Optivo Housing said: "We're pleased to say we've agreed the mural can continue to be displayed until Monday 21 June 2021 when lockdown restrictions are due to end.

"We've confirmed this with our resident today and she is in agreement."

This comes after over 1000 residents signed a petition in support of keeping the mural up until the end of lockdown.

Miss Lazenby sadly had to give up her much-loved job as a teacher's assistant in a local primary school due to shielding.

This meant lockdown kept her inside without grocery shopping, daily exercise and socialising.

Miss Lazenby worked on the mural to lift her spirits and show gratitude to the NHS staff that previously saved her life.

The mural has reportedly been popular in the local area, including with a nurse who lives close by.

Charlie Watts, Miss Lazenby's son, previously wrote on the petition:

"We are petitioning for Mum's mural to remain until AT LEAST the end of lockdown, on June 21st.

"The mural can then be washed down, and the occasion used as a celebration to signify the end of lockdown.

"We can hopefully celebrate the end of a tough 16 months and look forward to what the future holds."

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