Saying a big ‘thank you’

The last 16 months have been a testing time for many who have struggled with the virus, isolation, loneliness, getting supplies and needing a friendly chat — but residents living on the Duke of Norfolk estate in Rotherham have seen Covid-19 bring them closer together.

Twenty-six residents were given a small token of thanks at the community’s annual Macmillan coffee morning event, organised by Woodfoot Road resident Millie Sadiq (15).

The Covid-19 recognition awards were organised by residents Asma Hashmi and Pushpa Venkatraman, who said they had the awards put together to thank members of the community who had gone above and beyond to help others during the pandemic.

Asma added: “Our close connections in the community all got started from a whatsapp group where members of the community could talk to each other about anything, whether that be good news or bad.

“We had seen some crime in our area and people were apprehensive, so we decided to set up a community chat, changing adversity into diversity.”

With over 250 members now in a group chat together, having moved to the Telegram chat platform due to the high numbers of people involved, Asma said the pandemic had really strengthened community relations.

Pushpa said those recognised did everything from delivering food and medication to people who needed to shield, helping the local foodbank, gardening, charity work, making NHS scrubs, volunteering at vaccine sites and also arranging for the installation of a defibrillator on the estate.

A total of £1,202.36 was raised at the event for Macmillans through a raffle and the sale of artwork, coffee and cakes.

Millie said: “This is the fourth year I have organised a Macmillan coffee morning, which had to be held a little later than usual due to Covid.

“We have such a great community here and it was lovely to see so many people come along to support a great cause and see our local residents thanked for their Covid-19 efforts.”