Claire Bennett from Holywell has been announced by Ian Levy MP as the second Blyth Valley Community Champion. Claire was nominated by several people for setting up the Holywell Village Isolation Support Group.
Claire initially established the group to help a few of her neighbours with their essential shopping. It now provides a weekly food parcel to fifty elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating due to coronavirus. The group has a dedicated phone number that Claire takes calls from every day of the week and a Facebook page to help lift people's spirits.
Ian Levy said: "I first heard about Claire's amazing work in early April not long after she set up the group. What Claire has done for Holywell is incredible and the appreciation and gratitude from residents is fully deserved.
"Claire does a great job delivering food parcels and co-ordinating volunteers but has also brought the community together through organising VE Day celebrations including a baking competition. She really is a Community Champion."
Claire said: "I am a little embarrassed to be chosen and I didn't expect the group to grow as quickly or as big as it did. I spoke to my husband Nic just before lockdown as we have a lot of elderly neighbours who we thought might need help."
"It is hard work but I really wanted to do something. Holywell is a lovely place to live and I have had so much support from people to deliver the food parcels. New friendships have been formed which is brilliant."
"Ian Levy has been fantastic and delivers food every week from Morrisons in Blyth. Ian also secured vouchers from Lakes & Dales in Seaton Delaval so I can top up on things like bread, pasta and milk. I'll keep the deliveries going for as long as they are needed."
Blyth Valley Community Champions has been set up by Ian Levy to acknowledge the remarkable people who are making a difference to the lives of others during the coronavirus outbreak. Nominations can be made via the link below -
www.ianlevy.org.uk/form/blyth-valley-community-champions
There is a weekly deadline of 5pm on a Wednesday with a Community Champion announced on Facebook and Instagram every Friday. A special reception will be held for all COVID-19 Community Champions when it is possible to do so.
Blyth Valley Community Champions is supported by Universal Wolf Ltd.
