Sunderland says thank you to those who have helped them during coronavirus lockdown

We asked Echo readers to tell us about someone who has helped them – whether it’s a neighbour, friend or someone else they know – during the difficult times.

Many of you got in touch via our Sunderland Echo Facebook page, sending thank you messages to those who have delivered essential items, sent positive messages or gone out of their way to help out.

Here are some of your messages of thanks:

Kylie Wild: “I would like to thank Aimee Docherty for going out of her way to get our shopping and always asking if we need anything. Not only has she helped my family during these hard times, she goes out of her way to help as many as she can!”

Miriam Onwukwe: “I would like to say a big thank you to Gillian Lochran for all the support, love and rides to work especially on most weekends.”

Julie Graham: “I'd like to thank my dad John Graham and Cath Mclellan for doing my shopping while I self-isolate because of my rubbish immune system.”

Emma Ibinson: “I’d personally like to thank Ashleigh Barker for all that she did throughout my full labour. Giving birth is scary, even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic! She was by my side, guiding me throughout the whole labour & I’m eternally grateful.”

Julie Butler: “I would like to say a massive thank you to our neighbour Gillian Hunter for helping us out with shopping. Very kind of you.”

Susan Corkin: “I would like to thank Pennywell Youth Project for all the amazing work they have done for the community throughout the lockdown. They have organised live bingo sessions, online quizzes, delivered food parcels and delivered activity bags for the children in the community.”

Terri Smith: “I would like to give a shout out to Joanne Bowen, Marion Mckenna and all of the others involved in the Youth Hub and Dawdon Youth and Community Centre in Seaham. They always do but especially through these times they have gone above and beyond for our community providing amazing fun packs for children and adults alike, food parcels, hot meals, befriending services for the elderly, online kids camps and competitions.”

Amanda Smith: “I would like to thank Melanie Nichols, she has been amazing delivering food and game pack all around the Tyne and Wear area for kinship carers who are usually forgotten, but has also been a shoulder to cry on when needed. She has definitely been my rock since lockdown.”

Kimberly Tipling: “Gemma Thompson, honestly the things this woman has done she deserves a medal, helped out people in need, delivering meals, done shopping for vulnerable & strangers even adding money out of her own pocket!”

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