See the touching moment firefighters surprise Sunderland youngster in lockdown

A Sunderland youngster was given a huge surprise when her heroes came to visit during lockdown.
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Emily Lardner from Barnes is a huge fan of the fire service, so it was a dream come true when crews from Sunderland Central paid her a special visit at home.

The surprise was one of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s acts of kindness during Mental Health Awareness Week, which saw them carry out visits to families to give them a boost during this difficult time.

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Emily, 16, is shielding at home with mum Deborah and brother Aidan during the pandemic, so the visit by crews came as a much-appreciated surprise to the family.

Sunderland youngster Emily Lardner was given a surprise visit by crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as she shielded with her family during the coronavirus pandemic.Sunderland youngster Emily Lardner was given a surprise visit by crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as she shielded with her family during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sunderland youngster Emily Lardner was given a surprise visit by crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as she shielded with her family during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the visit, firefighters even dropped off some treats for the family to enjoy thanks to donations from Sunderland businesses, Twins Fruiterers and Party Express.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention and education watch manager Nicole Mordecai knew of the family’s situation and helped to organise the surprise.

Nicole said: "The last few weeks have been tough for all of us, but the Lardner family really deserve a treat as Emily and Aidan's mum Deborah is having to self-isolate due to a health condition.

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“I'm so glad we were able to put smiles on their faces and seeing their reactions made our day too - that's the power of kindness!

“Thank you to the operational crews and P&E Firefighter Peter Little, as well as Terry at Twins Fruiterers in Pallion and Suzy at Party Express for the donations.”