Debbie, Cottingham Fitmums & Friends

I worked (and still do) for the NHS at CAMHS Inspire Inpatient unit, working with 12 to 18 year-olds throughout the pandemic. I was anxious at first when no one really knew what was happening. It soon became my privilege and lifeline to be able to keep working and helping people throughout this terrible time. I soon realised that, as a person who has suffered from health anxiety historically, actually going out in spite of my fears really helped me become strong. And being around an amazing team of other health care professionals, all going though the same shared experience, laughing, crying, worrying and being daft together at such a hard time solidified our friendships and made our jobs feel more worthwhile. And, not only that, this gave me the strength to then look after my family and friends who were struggling or felt isolated. I have been blessed to work and help throughout this terrible time.

Kerry, Dearne Valley Fitmums & Friends

The charity that I have been involved in is b:friend, where since March 2020 I speak to my BFriender, Dennis, twice a week. We have such lovely conversations and it’s so good for Dennis to have someone to chat too as he doesn’t always chat to many people.

Joanne, Beverley Fitmums & Friends

I have worked as a Senior Probation Officer in a prison throughout the pandemic. It has been a hugely challenging year in the prison and continues to be, with many restrictions still in place and changes to the way we operate. I think all the staff who work in the prison system are amazing and would like to thank our often forgotten ‘hidden heroes’ who do such a fantastic job keeping everybody safe.

Duncan, East Hull Fitmums & Friends

I've been working as a volunteer at the City Hall vaccination centre and also as a key worker for City Health Care Partnership, fitting our staff with FFP3 face masks, ensuring their safety whilst delivering essential NHS services throughout the pandemic.

Emerald, DV and Goole Fitmums & Friends

I was a keyworker providing in-school provision and home-school learning videos, resources and support for parents as a teacher at North Ferriby Primary School. We accepted children from the start of lockdown 1 on 23rd March 2020, which was such an unknown, right through to the most recent lockdown. Fitmums leggings featured during a yoga video I sent home :)

Kathryn, Hedon Fitmums & Friends

I have volunteered for Home-Start Hull for around 12 years now and have supported eight families in that time. We support families in Hull with a child under five. During lockdown the support has continued, with volunteers turning to telephone support in place of face-to-face support but, with restrictions easing, we hope to start supporting with outdoor meetings very soon. It’s a great charity and a lovely way to spend a few hours a week.

Hayley, Dearne Valley Fitmums & Friends

I’m a Breastfeeding Support Worker for Rotherham NHS. I joined at the end of last year and work visiting new families in their homes and in clinic to help them get off to a great start breastfeeding their new babies. The maternity services haven’t been the greatest to navigate for new parents throughout the pandemic with restrictions on scans and even during labour. I’ve tried to keep things as normal as possible by visiting families in their homes (wearing full, hard-to-work-with PPE of course). I’ve loved it so far and the new parents have really appreciated the support our service offers, especially when other services have been pulling back. It’s an absolute honour to be able to spend time with new families at such a life-changing time. I am pictured with my little helper, Lucy :)

Liz, Dearne Valley Fitmums & Friends

I organised rotas for 1:1 running from October to March. I did this for Fitmums (as a replacement to our usual Tuesday night), for my friends who run every Friday, and I also organised the groups of a few virtual/charity races and relays.

Helen, Cottingham Fitmums & Friends

Nominated by Jo who says: I think Helen C. needs a mention here - Helen was/is a vaccination nurse alongside her own difficult job as a mental health nurse.