Citizen of the Week award recognises selfless people in Stamford, Rutland and Bourne
The Mercury launched the Citizen of the Week in April to recognise the unsung heroes going the extra mile during the lockdown.
The first to be recognised was helpful neighbour Sarah-Mae Yardley.
She was followed by carer Kerrie Hughes, Danish Invader landlord Chris Needham, business owner William Bowles, teacher Mike Holdsworth, Second Helpings volunteer Rhea Rayside, The Railway Inn landlords Jamie and Linda Betts, Oober Veggies founder Tom Wire, and scrubs maker Liz Clarke.
But there’s also been countless others nominated and among those were Shirley Young - a dedicated school cook, cleaner and premises officer. She was nominated by Paresha Merricks who said of Shirley: “She works tremendously hard to make sure our school children (and staff!) are well fed and our school environment is clean and well maintained. During lockdown she has also got involved with the childcare of our key worker children.
“Nothing is too much trouble for her. She is popular with the children, plays such a key part in our team and her contribution is so appreciated by all who work with her.”
Sarah Lanley nominated Stephen Higgins and Ravi Mathu, who run Elton Village Store, saying they’ve been going the extra mile to look out for vulnerable people in the village as well as collecting for a local foodbank.
Charlotte Turner nominated Kerry Regis saying she’s a carer and went above and beyond by cooking hot meals for her clients and helping them to celebrate VE day.
Judith Oakley nominated Rhiannon Jones saying: “Since the lockdown came into effect Rhiannon has single handedly organised (and mainly collected) the prescriptions for the residents of Wing, Lyndon and Pilton.”
Sinclair Rogers nominated Shirley Hart for her friendly attitude in the Ketton Together Project which was founded to support villagers and for collecting and delivering prescriptions which he said was a “massive task”.
Clare Mainstone nominated Marie Pears, citing that Marie has been supporting people to “make their lives better” while continuing to work full-time. Marie has also involved her two children to collect shopping, medication and help in any way they can.
Claire Leonard nominated Mark Daniels, who runs Rutland Cakeaway and has been helping the community while continuing cake deliveries. Claire said Mark even helped someone to bring a new freezer inside, install it and brought shopping to put inside it.
Wright Care at Home staff Lisa and Hanna were nominated for making headbands and laundry bags for healthcare workers.
Ian Hall nominated Katie Genever, the owner of The Bertie Arms in Uffington, for setting up a smoothly run food service in the car park and a small shop.
Rob Glover nominated Louise and Richard Wright of Frothys Coffee Shop for checking in on staff while the shop has been closed, saying “They always make time for you”.
Rachel Patterson nominated her mum Dawn for making scrubs for hospital key workers.
Derek Joyce nominated his wife Caroline who he said had used losing her cleaning business as a result of lockdown as an opportunity to get a job as a healthcare assistant. She also volunteers both for the NHS and locally, as well as being a supportive mum. He described her as “amazing”.
Mercury editor Kerry Coupe said: “Our winners and those mentioned here are just some of those who were nominated and it’s been a privilege to say highlight the efforts of these heroes in the pages of the Mercury.”
Meet our first Citizen of the Week, Sarah-Mae Yardley
Meet our second Citizen of the Week, Kerrie Hughes
Meet our third Citizen of the Week, Chris Needham
Meet our fourth Citizen of the Week, William Bowles
Meet our fifth Citizen of the Week, Mike Holdsworth
Meet our sixth Citizen of the Week, Rhea Rayside
Meet our seventh Citizens of the Week, Jamie and Linda Betts
Meet our eight Citizen of the Week, Tom Wire
Meet our ninth Citizen of the Week, Liz Clarke
Meet our final Citizen of the Week, Pav Samra
