'Bless you all' - Meet some of Hartlepool's pandemic heroes as chosen by Mail readers

One year has passed since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first national lockdown in England due to the coronavirus pandemic.
By Debra Fox
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 06:00 BST

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The 12 months since that date – March 23, 2020 – have been difficult for all of us in so many ways.

So today, as we reflect on a year like no other, we wanted to shine a light on the special people who have helped you through the pandemic, and all it has thrown at us.

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These are 13 photos of Hartlepool’s health heroes – as nominated by you
The pandemic heroes who have helped you through a difficult year.The pandemic heroes who have helped you through a difficult year.
The pandemic heroes who have helped you through a difficult year.
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Hartlepool Mail readers have been nominating the wonderful souls who have had their back on the dark days.

Here are some of your pandemic heroes, and the stories you told about them on our Facebook page:

Megan James: “My family Edwina Siddell James, Brian James and Heather James. They've helped me with my son as well as my son has autism and all this has been a big change and adjustment for him and for everyone to be honest.”

Margaret Williams: “My darling husband Steve, my sons and families, my neighbours who are always there if we need help.”

You have been saying thank you to the people helping you through the pandemic, as we mark one year since the first lockdown. Picture: Pixabay.You have been saying thank you to the people helping you through the pandemic, as we mark one year since the first lockdown. Picture: Pixabay.
You have been saying thank you to the people helping you through the pandemic, as we mark one year since the first lockdown. Picture: Pixabay.
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Mary May: “My husband Vince has been my rock and kept me going, I owe him so much. Without him I dunno where I would be right now.”

Maggie Sweeney: “Hartlepool Young Carers Group have been absolutely amazing keeping the kids entertained through Zoom one-to-one chats, phoning just to check in.

"My youngest wouldn't have got through this without their support.”

Ian Burnham: “Paul Beddow. I’ve had a number of health problems and he has stood shoulder to shoulder with me throughout.”

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Kathryn Reeve: “Jenny Alsop and Craig Potter. Fantastic neighbours who have been so good to me through the past year.”

Neil Fowler: “To all the angels at the Endeavour Centre at South Tees Hospitals, bless you all.”

Paula Gilbraith: “Julie Dowson, Jenny Leck, Janet Johnson. Helped me by checking on me and my mental health and getting me out for walks.”

Amanda Robinson: “Cheryl Laycock, keeping me motivated.”

Lucy Cumming: “Anna Cumming, honestly can’t even imagine where I would be without you.”

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Carolyn Mandry: “My daughters and their families, my son and my best friends Julie Meggison, Paul Meggison and my neighbours.”

Sheila O'Connor: “My dog Princess Lucy, 13 in November.”

Jue Donovan: “My gorgeous kids Colleen Donovan, Kayleigh Sanderson, Dicky Donovan, my world and more.”

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Related topics:Boris JohnsonHartlepool MailHartlepool