Northumberland Covid hero presented with award

17 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Morpeth resident, Kischa Gair, was recently named the Northumberland winner of the Covid Acts of Kindness Community Award and on Friday (10 December 2021) she joined Northumberland County Council Leader, Glen Sanderson, to receive her award for service to her local community.  

Organised as part of the public health campaign BeatCovidNE, the awards celebrate outstanding individuals in local communities across the region, with one winner from each of the seven local authorities. 
 
At the beginning of lockdown, the mum of two created a Facebook Covid support group for the four villages around Ellington. The group is still running today and has over 700 members. With Kischa at its engine, the group shared local and Covid updates, initiated psychological and home education support as well as delivered shopping and food parcels to vulnerable residents by joining up with existing local initiatives.  

Cllr Glen Sanderson said: “I am delighted to have the honour of presenting Kischa with her award. Her efforts throughout the pandemic have been truly inspiring. She has put everyone else, family and community, before herself  - she is a true local hero. 

“I know the judges had a tough time deciding, but I can’t think of a more worthy winner. And I know Kischa continues to support her local community. 

“We can all show simple acts of kindness while Covid is still with us – such as wearing face coverings in crowded places, giving people space when out and about, meeting outdoors when possible, self-testing regularly and isolating if we test positive – by doing this we can all help to protect each other and those at risk.” 

 Kischa said: “Whilst it’s so lovely and heartwarming to have recognition of my efforts during lockdown, I’d like to emphasise that none of this would have been possible without the help of my entire community.  

“From food donations to packing parcels and handing out activity packs - all of my neighbours have clubbed together to make sure everyone is okay. We are a small but mighty region and I’m proud to be from this corner of the globe.” 
 
For more on the award visit www.beatcovidne.co.uk/community-award/meet-the-winners/