Nominated by: Linda Slattery

What we found out:

“My dad is 83 and looks after my mum and all the people in his sheltered housing scheme. He takes time to phone the other residents to make sure they are OK and offers to get shopping or medications. He also bakes for the community, bread pudding, Welsh cakes and makes stews for the less able. All while caring for my disabled mum. He never moans. Even before the pandemic he was doing little DIY jobs for the infirm residents. He is a true hero and never asks for anything in return.”

Nominated by: many

What we found out:

“All the staff came together to support manning our 24-hour hospital in Victoria. They fought to ensure the site in Hammersmith was COVID-compliant so was able to open again for face to face appointments and surgeries whilst keeping everyone safe. The team has still managed to help over 2000 pets in need this year, and when working on site have done all this in full PPE. They have even sourced aprons which rustled less to avoid frightening the animals! The team has worked tirelessly all year and the workload has only increased as more people find themselves in financial need of the charity’s services due to the pandemic.”

Nominated by: Lesli Rodriguez

What we found out:

“Andrea is a nurse and has been working very hard throughout the pandemic. When we were all staying at home during the first lockdown, scared by this new extreme change happening, she was still having to go to her dayshifts, nightshifts and weekend shifts of up to 12.5 hours. She is a very dedicated nurse and always wants to help others. She has been a great help to me and an elderly neighbour we have. Despite being tired from her hard job with long hours she has been doing all the shopping for us since March so that we can go to the supermarket minimally. She also wrote letters to our neighbours offering to do their shopping should they need to go into isolation. She has been a real help to us during the pandemic and it would have been a very different experience for us without her.”

Nominated by: Zara Khan

What we found out:

“Sandra has made not only my family but most of our neighbours’ and the community’s lives easier this year. She stretched herself helping us in many ways. She was baking cakes for our local police station and community while shops and local cafes were closed during the lockdown. She went to pack PPE kits for our local community NHS for nearly two months and worked throughout the first and second lockdowns! She was available day and night answering questions and she has never been seen without a smile on her face. We all felt like being more energetic and positive after talking to her. I really don’t know anyone who deserves more attention and presents in West London.”

Nominated by: Karen Knowles

What we found out:

“At Barclays, the Hammersmith branch colleagues have been recognised as key workers and together, they have been able to keep the branch open through all of the lockdowns to serve the most vulnerable members of our communities.

All the colleagues within the branch have worked so hard to be there for our customers. We are very proud to serve our community.”

Nominated by: Lucia Ciolanel

What we found out:

“Jill is 70 and she has been a volunteer with Fulham Good Neighbours for seven years. She is passionate about supporting her local community. Lockdown saw a brief hiatus from March to August, stopping her from giving her full support, but Jill has been back in full swing since September and she has sent hundreds of letters and birthday cards to the older residents in Fulham who were self-isolating or shielding and spending their birthdays alone. Her words and cards meant the world to those receiving them. Jill is undoubtedly a hero shining a light of hope, love and positivity into the hearts of those feeling lonely or forgotten during difficult times.”

Nominated by: Anna Sajid

What we found out:

“Elaine made it her priority for everyone to feel safe in the office. She got in lots of automated hand sanitizers, and also displayed posters with guidance. She’s been doing inductions with all staff members to ensure they are aware of changes and been positive throughout this time, recommending songs to help get through the day, as well as exercises to help with sitting in one place for too long. She volunteered to become a diversity leader in the midst of everything going on, and has been organising events such as virtual Q&As with outside speakers. Elaine is absolutely amazing and we would not have been able to get through this pandemic, or even general life, without her!”

Nominated by: Stefan Czeladzinski

What we found out:

“Nadia has risen to every challenge with energy and enthusiasm, consistently working above and beyond her hours and always putting other people first. Her willingness, flexibility and problem-solving approach – always with a smile – make her a pleasure to work with.

She has worked tirelessly since March helping to deliver and organise food parcels for residents. She has helped to put up COVID-19 related information in boards all over the borough, helped to run Testing Centres and really given her all to help to protect and improve the lives and safety of people in Hammersmith, on behalf of the Council.”

Nominated by: Lucia Ciolanel

What we found out:

“When the Covid-19 restrictions affected the lives of those around her, Lyn increased her support through Fulham Good Neighbours and became a Telephone Befriender, making weekly calls to those who were feeling isolated and lonely. When restrictions were eased during the summer, Lyn helped those who were alone and housebound by doing socially distanced visits and while wearing PPE she assisted them with walks around the garden or even getting a hair cut. She helped those who were shielding to get their medicine. When one of our older residents could no longer take his beloved dog for a walk, Lyn stepped up again! She helped with taking the dog on regular walks for six months. We are so lucky to have her as a neighbour and a volunteer.”

Nominated by: Samantha Grey

What we found out:

“Melissa worked on the frontline as a healthcare worker throughout the pandemic. She also found time to inspire and support her neighbours to keep them motivated, providing up to date information to the most vulnerable to keep them safe.

She would collect and drop off prescriptions on her way home from her long day at work to her neighbours who were shielding.She’s my hero and I believe she deserves to be nominated and much more.”