HUNDREDS of key workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their time and risking their own lives have been thanked by other members of the community.
In this time of trouble, we want to bring you the incredible stories of our residents pulling together like never before.
So we asked our readers to nominate those who are on the frontline and keeping others safe, including nurses, bus drivers, shop workers, taxi drivers, engineers, carers, delivery drivers, rubbish collectors, teachers, police officers and firefighters.
Here are just SOME of the thousands of local key workers who deserve our gratitude.
Holly Turner, from Manningtree nominated Julie Thomas and Debbie Burrows for setting up the Manningtree Covid-19 support group.
She said: “Initially it started as a dedicated Facebook page and they now have a phone line which is manned to help locals with shopping and collecting prescriptions.
“The Facebook page has turned into a place for emotional support and chat too.
“They’re both simply amazing and do so much for the community of Manningtree and surrounding areas.”
Sarah Gant has nominated Cally Short for doing an amazing job by “helping deliver food parcels and helping the community in any way she can.”
Aiyesha Taylor said about Cally that “she goes above and beyond for our community and is an amazing part of our team at Harwich Morrisons”.
Les Nicoll and his team of hard working volunteers at Harwich Helps has also been praised by Lisa Janda, for all the hard work and effort put in to help the vulnerable since the start of the pandemic.
She said: “They have done amazingly, thank you to you all.”
Scott Wilson, who is a youth support worker for Pathway Care Group, has been nominated by Jen Barrett.
She said: “He is keeping vulnerable teens in our area safe.
“They are quite often forgotten key workers, their job can be demanding and stressful, but they always do their best.”
Darren Deex, former inspector for Essex Police, has nominated Pieseas Chippy restaurant, in Harwich, for continuing to provide a great takeaway service.
He said: “I’m not only nominating Mark and Kelly Darling, but their whole team, including delivery drivers.
“They definitely brighten up the end of the week.”
Zoe Wilson nominated dance school owner Chloe Carman, 21, for all she has done for the young children at Ballroom Business, in Parkeston.
She said: “There have been dance challenges and dancing on the doorstep every Sunday.
“Chloe is also doing weekly classes via Zoom, as well as virtual private lessons.
“As if that wasn’t enough, she also organised a sponsored dance video to raise money for the NHS and the kids loved taking part.”
Claire Rumsby, who is a nurse leader for Harwich district nurse team, has been nominated by her brother, Gavin Rumsby for doing an “amazing job, as always”.
He said: “My sister is working hard for the local area.”
Lilly Turner has nominated Cheers! General Stores, in Dovercourt, and the Cabin Bakery, in Dovercourt, which have done deliveries for her and her four children.
She said: “It’s amazing how much our treat brings a bit of happiness and normality in a world full of uncertainty.”
Tracey Tyrrell has been praised for working hard at preparing activities for children to do at home.
Carol Mountain, who nominated Tracey, said: “So much thought goes into each one, she also does a video with her own children showing how each activity works and she also drops these packs off to people’s homes.”
Becky Hemingway has nominated her two sisters, Gemma Cooper who works as an ICD supervisor for the ambulance service and Hannah Cooper, who works as a chemist.
She said: “They both work extremely hard and deserve to be mentioned. I’m super proud of them both.”
Colette Dawson, a taxi driver has been nominated for being there for all of the essential workers and going the extra mile for her community.
Julia Louise has nominated her partner, Shaun Spooner, who is an health care assistant for Nurseplus and “is doing an amazing job looking after others”.
Penny Townsend, health care assistant at Harwich Hospital has been nominated by her son, James, who said: “She is amazing at her job and would do anything for anyone.”
Chelsea Thurston has nominated Sharon and Stephen Smart at Suncrust Bakery, in Dovercourt.
She said: “They have been serving Harwich and the surrounding areas for many, many years.
“Come rain, snow or anything else that gets thrown at them, they always stay open and running.
“They are working through the night, serving the community and delivering to the elderly, local shop and their loyal customers.”
Mayflower Primary School staff members have been praised for having worked throughout the Easter Holiday and “continuing to work selflessly”.
Karen Moules has nominated all staff members at Borno Pharmacy, in Dovercourt, for going “continuously above and beyond for their customers”.
She has also nominated Fronk’s Road Surgery staff and Iceland staff.
“They have worked tirelessly throughout, as they have been short staffed and the remaining staff have worked so hard delivering food to the town,”she added.
Martin Brown, from Browns Pet Supplies, has also been nominated by Matthew Clothier.
He said: “Martin works tirelessly, delivering pet and animal food all over the area, often until late at night, then going home to his family.”
Danni Pratt has nominated her sister, Caitlin Pratt, who is a care worker and retail worker at Asda.
She said: “She is always helping others, especially during this time.
Jacky Lingley has nominated Jeffrey Mortimer, who is working with British Gas.
Lucy Humphreys has nominated her “amazing, kind and caring” sister, Jardine Macrae and all those at Trinity Ward.
Carna Lolly Goodwin has nominated Tay Goodwin, who cares for disabled adults and also has to use public transport to travel to work.
Jacqueline Angela has nominated her “beautiful sister”, Hazel Bennett, who works at Harwich hospital as a nurse on the Covid-19 ward.
She said: “Hazel goes above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the care and compassion they deserve.
“She works all hours to make sure her ward is staffed, even working extra hours to cover those that are unable to work.
“She has a heart of gold and we are so so proud.”
Within three days our call to nominate community heroes had attracted more than 5,400 views and about 125 nominations as messages of thanks poured in for everyone.
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