Saluting Bolton's lockdown heroes

As we faced the biggest pandemic in our generation’s history, community spirit was one of the main things that united us.

That’s why The Bolton News launched its lockdown heroes campaign to highlight the people making a difference, raising community spirit and doing good deeds.

The campaign was backed by local MPs, councillors and The Bolton News editor Karl Holbrook.

Karl said: “It has been wonderful to see so many amazing people that live in Bolton.

“Lockdown has been a tough time but as things ease, we hope that the community spirit will continue.

“Thank you to everyone who sent in their nominations - we’ve been amazed by all your acts of kindness.”

Our key workers faced change and put their lives at risk to keep others safe.

Businesses closed and some will never reopen again, but that goes with the rollercoaster we have had to ride since lockdown began.

One thing that has kept us going is seeing the people of Bolton coming together in times of need and one of the first nominations that we received was for the team of Bolton special constables.

The team of volunteer officers was out patrolling the streets to help the police, making sure that residents were following the lockdown rules.

We can’t forget Tom Jones and Dolly Parton, aka Jed and Jo Fry. 

The husband-and-wife duo put on a weekly sing-song for residents in their street.

Fitness instructors were made to bring fitness into our homes, boosting our wellbeing and keeping us fit.

Chris and Sara Bramah, of Bramah Fitness, put on free sessions as lockdown took its toll.

We saw virtual dance classes, kiddies painting rainbow rocks and cakes baked in their hundreds and local people still fundraising in ways that they could to help charities suffering durning lockdown.

One of the first people to back our campaign was Yasmin Qureshi MP, who was also nominated by one of her constituents.

She said: “This pandemic has openly demonstrated how good human beings are.
“I have always known that there so many people doing good deeds out there not for recognition but because they are kind-hearted and genuine,” she added.

“The Bolton News lockdown heroes campaign has been absolutely fantastic and I am behind anything that gets the true unsung heroes recognition that they deserve.”

If you know a lockdown hero, it's not too late to get them the recognition that they deserve, just email their details to simone.okane@newsquest.co.uk.