'Absolutely incredible' Sunderland supermarket worker named in Queen's Birthday Honours List

The Government’s Cabinet Office says Lucy Mansell-Render, 32, from Washington, is to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) “for services to the Covid-19 response”.

Lucy, nights department manager at Asda’s Washington clothing depot, sensed the pressure care workers were under after the pandemic’s outbreak in March and invited some to visit the premises so that staff could show their appreciation at a socially acceptable distance.

The Cabinet Office said: “The care workers walked into the yard to around 50 colleagues clapping and drivers in units beeping their horns to thank them for everything they’ve been doing.”

Its announcement added: “Her support for local care workers in her community throughout the last few months has been absolutely incredible.”

Lucy also visited work colleagues shielding at home on her days off to safely deliver chocolates to them.

When her efforts on behalf of others crept into her annual leave, Asda returned the holidays to her.

After learning of her award, Lucy said: “I feel honoured to be recognised for this award.

"However it was a team effort and I’d like to thank everyone involved on behalf of myself and the team here.”

Depot general manager Jennifer Stelling said: “Lucy has acted selflessly throughout the pandemic and is always thinking about others.

"The care workers that attended our depot for the socially distanced recognition were extremely touched and I am sure that in such a terrible climate Lucy gave them one memory that the team will look back on positively.

“Lucy is a credit to Asda and the depot that she works at and I am extremely proud that she has been given this deserved recognition.”

Lucy is one of around 450 people to have been added to the original Queen’s Birthday Honours List, traditionally published in June, after it was delayed because of the outbreak and so that it could highlight the response of individuals to the crisis.

Roger Burnley, Asda’s chief executive officer and president, also praised Lucy for the “amazing job” she has done and added: “I cannot express how proud we all are to have Lucy recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.”

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