Heartbreak for mum and two-year-old daughter who have to live separately during coronavirus lockdown
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Megan Wallace, 28, is a department manager at Asda’s chilled distribution centre in Washington. She has not been able to cuddle her Elena, two, since lockdown was announced on Monday, March 23.
Usually Megan’s mother Sonya McAdam and stepfather Anthony would look after Elena during working hours.
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Hide AdBut Anthony is in an “extremely vulnerable” group and coronavirus rules prevent Megan from simply popping in and out of Sonya and Anthony’s Donwell home.
The tough decision was then made by the family, including Elena’s dad Steven, that she would stay with her grandparents while lockdown was in place.
Mum and daughter now have a video chat each morning before Megan, who lives in Concord, goes to work.
She said: “Obviously I didn’t want to put Elena at risk, or my mam and Anthony who’s doing 12 weeks of isolation. So the best decision was to do this as my mam wasn’t working.
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Hide Ad“I think with Elena being so young it’s hard for her to understand. She’s been asking for me, but she’s got a good relationship with her grandparents. She’s doing well.”
Naturally Megan is looking forward to her reunion with Elena and will make sure they both have a great time.
She added: “I’m going to hold her and not let go for a long time. I try not to think about it too much because I get upset. But we’re going to do something lovely.
“People say I’m doing a good thing, but I always put my bairn first and my family. I think most parents would do that. I’m not the only one. It’s a very difficult time for everyone.”
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Hide AdMegan is also responsible for the safe working of her teams at Asda.
Her colleague Sophie Blench added: “Megan is a true credit to Asda. She comes into work each day with a smile on her face a positive attitude, despite how difficult the situation is for her.
“She’s a true Asda hero and I know that our colleagues are extremely grateful for everything she does for the team.”