Merseyside brand marketing specialist Wild Thang produced a range of t-shirts to recognise the work of the heroes of the NHS and now the effort is being recognised in a 2020 time capsule

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic Merseyside brand marketing specialist Wild Thang produced a range of t-shirts to recognise the work of the heroes of the NHS.

Wild Thang managing director Andrew Dwerryhouse, and his Bootle-based team, set to work making the branded t-shirts with slogans such as ‘I heart NHS’. Proceeds from the sales were donated to NHS charities.

Now, more than a year on, that effort is being given a permanent recognition. One of the t-shirts is to be included in a Liverpool time capsule which marks the momentous events of 2020.

Located at RLB360, the popular tourist attraction at Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, the capsule includes memorabilia from the Black Lives Matter movement, a copy of the Brexit Bill, commemoration of NHS work and support, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a vaccine vial and sporting memorabilia.

Capsule content ideas were submitted by schools, individuals and organisations, then a judging panel that included Tony Bellew and Cllr. Anna Rothery decided which items should be included to reflect the year.

Wild Thang’s t-shirt campaign made a significant impact with celebrities such as comedian Johnny Vegas and TV chef Simon Rimmer pictured wearing them. Andrew Dwerryhouse said: “2020 will probably always be remembered for the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and the many challenges it brought. But maybe, just as importantly, it did bring our communities together in many different ways.

“This is another incredible feel good factor for both me, the team and Wild Thang as a whole. We feel really honoured and humbled to have the NHS t-shirt included in this amazing initiative. It is a reminder that good should always prevail, even the midst of difficult circumstances such as the pandemic.”

The capsule itself is a large model replica of the historic Royal Liver Building and will be on display to the public as part of the RLB360 attraction with immersive graphics and interesting signage surrounding it to inform visitors further about the items inside and their significance. 

Founded 20 years ago, Wild Thang has just invested more than £2m in the transformation of its Derby Road base. It currently employs more than 30 people and Andrew says this number could double over the next couple of years.