Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has shared the March Heart, a symbol of thanks to the army of volunteers across communities who collected medicine, went shopping, checked in on people or did other good deeds throughout the pandemic.
She is joining others, such as celebrities including Nick Knowles, Eamonn Holmes and TV doctor Zoe Williams, who have uploaded a heart picture expressing thanks to friends, family and neighbours who went above and beyond.
March 23 will be a national day of reflection and Government has confirmed it supports calls from Tatton MP Esther McVey for a minute’s silence. The silence has cross-party support and will be held at 12 noon.
Caroline commented:
“The past year has been incredibly tough as we have been separated from love ones and others have been taken away too soon.
“I’m joining the March Heart online to commemorate those who have sadly lost their lives to covid and say thanks to the invaluable army of volunteers across Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent.
“While this dreadful virus has wreaked havoc, it has also brought out the very best in our community.
“From putting rainbows in windows, to Team Scrubbers sewing throughout the night, the Feed a Family team delivering food parcels and the army of 200 Acts of Kindness volunteers helping local residents, I am incredibly proud to see how everyone has come together. So many have given up their time, often silently providing support.”
Caroline is asking constituents to tag those who have been helping others, whether a neighbour, GP or organisation, on her social media post to give them a shout out for the support they offered.
Nick Knowles said:
“For me the story of a year of pandemic has been the resolute nature of the people of the UK.
“The public service of NHS, Police and all emergency services - of chemists and shop workers, carers and volunteers. Those that have shielded, run errands, or cared for a family member. The way we have looked after each other, found new ways to work or keep businesses going and stay in touch.
“It’s been a tough year and for those that have lost loved ones a heart-breaking year but in so many ways across every street, village, town and City people have dug deep and excelled themselves. I’m enormously proud of the fortitude shown by everyone and that’s something we can celebrate.”