Sun readers salute Britain’s bravest – from our NHS heroes and care home staff to selfless neighbours

AN ARMY of unsung supermen and superwomen are making a huge difference during the pandemic.

For the fourth week, The Sun on Sunday is printing your heartfelt tributes and thanks to them.

Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

These are some of the most difficult times in living memory. When the chips are down, we are all defined by our actions.

All those mentioned here have stepped up to do their bit. Your moving messages are proof of that.

From NHS staff to food bank volunteers, brave care home staff and good neighbours, each and every one of you is a hero.

We salute you . . . and we thank you all.

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I WOULD like to hail my brilliant daughter JESSICA ROBERTSON, who has been working relentlessly and tirelessly on the front line ­dispensing medicines. Never have I been more proud and thank you for giving me the opportunity to hail my little heroine. Jessica is a credit to her profession, family and friends. Simon Robertson

I work for the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS and I’m currently unable to work due to health conditions. But I know how much my team and those all over the country are doing to keep things going and get those in need paid. They are an amazing bunch and I feel useless, but I would love to give them a massive shout out and a huge thanks. Keep going guys. When this is all over, it’s your time for a rest and our time to step up. Thank you for what you’re doing. #veryproud. From Sarah, North London

A great big thank you to you my amazing friend KRIS, who is an NHS hero. After finishing a night shift at the University Hospital Of North Durham as a midwife, you have hopped in and out of our garden today dressed as the Easter Bunny to leave Easter eggs for all the family on your way home from work. What an amazing thing to do to keep us all smiling. We’ll never ­forget this kind and beautiful gesture. You will forever be our hero. Love. The Looney family xx

I would like to say a big thank you to all key workers but especially to my friends YVONNE and MARK LINDSAY who have not only been checking up on me throughout this ­horrible time but they also volunteer as well as working. They never put themselves first. And thank you to STEPH and JOE for ­shopping for me, making me cakes and keeping an eye open. I’m so glad to have neighbours like you. Sarah Beck xx

A massive thank you to TRACY SLATER in Cottingley, West Yorks, who is working so hard day in day out to feed the elderly. This includes my Nana, who we can’t visit. You and the rest of the team doing this are angels and we’re so grateful. You have alleviated so much worry for us, just knowing that she is getting hot and healthy meals throughout this really tough time. We really ­appreciate all you are doing. Lots of Love. From Jean’s family xxxx

I would like to thank PAT and KERRY BARNARD and STAFF, who have still been working and ­supporting people at their residential home in Lowestoft. Unsung heroes. Glen

A great big thank you to you my amazing friend Kris, who is an NHS hero.

The Looney famil

Please say a big thank you to my husband KENNY and all the long-distance lorry drivers away from home all week with no access to toilet or washing facilities. Even the motorway services are not allowing them access to hot food and other facilities. They may not all be delivering food supplies but a lot of them are delivering goods to keep other industries and agriculture going. They are all doing a great job. Elinor

My daughter BECKY NOCK is a hero. Not only is she working for the NHS as a trainee nursing associate but she is also looking after her daughter, partner and the rest of our family. She has managed to get me, her dad and her brother and sister food shopping as well as supplies for her nan and ­grandad. It has been heartbreaking to let her drop things off without being able to hug her but she has ­persevered and we continue to keep in contact by text and video-calling. She is amazing and doing a fantastic job. All my love for all you do. Thank you, you’re fab!! Love from Mom, Tammy Nock xx

We are so proud of BRIONY PROCTOR, who is an A&E nurse at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. She the bravest person we know and the best mummy and wife in the world. Love. Samuel, Noah, Holly & Martin xx

Due to my respiratory condition and age I have been told to self-isolate. I wanted to praise a lovely chap called IBY SHAIKH from Blackburn, who has delivered free food to me and some of my neighbours on multiple occasions over the last few weeks. We live in Preston and are so very grateful for his humble approach in this sad time. He has provided us with soup, eggs, bread, milk, pasta, noodles, ­teabags, butter, biscuits, tinned ­veg, oats and all sorts. He has really made us smile and he is our hero. Thank you. From Margaret, Wendy, Norma and Judith

Wayne Perry - The Sun

The Bodmin Bikers are travelling around Cornwall delivering food and medicine to the vulnerable[/caption]

Wayne Perry - The Sun

One biker even dresses up as Spider-Man for his routes, which goes down a treat with kids[/caption]

Thank you to CHARLOTTE TERRY for making a hamper for Sarah Whelan to cheer her up. Your act of kindness meant a lot. From Frankie Oliphant

I’d like to thank Dr LIA CRISTOFOLI and SONYA at Gallions Reach Health Centre for always being on the end of the phone to organise and get my husband Peter’s prescriptions and just be there for us. The video calls bring such pleasure to our otherwise isolated life. Also, the pharmacist attached to Gallions for making life so much easier and ringing us to say ­medications are available. I’d also like to thank LIVE WELL GREENWICH for delivering medication tand their food delivery service and the GREENWICH AND ­BEXLEY HOSPICE for their continued help and support and for the comfort of knowing they are there by phone, day or night and the GREENWICH ­DISTRICT NURSES who look after Pete and somehow manage to make us feel we are not a nuisance. Thanks to my neighbours who always smile and wave hello and are staying indoors too and to PREEYA VERMA who checks we are OK and does shopping for us. You are all heroes. Frances Cooper

I’d like to thank the GOOD MORNING SERVICE, which is a lifeline to many older and vulnerable people throughout Northern Ireland. We really ­appreciate all their help. LINDA BAKER runs it and my mum, MARGARET McLAUGHLIN, is one of her volunteers and she’s 86 years old. I’m so proud of them both.  Andrea Cottle

Thank you grandad TONY FITZGERALD for ­working hard and delivering all the letters and ­parcels for us and the nation. We will be together soon! We love you. Danny, Aine and the girls xxx

We’d like to say a massive thank you to the NHS. From Holly, Taryn and Lyla Hainsworth, from Bradford

I would like to send a shout out to seven-year-old EFFIE and four-year-old SETH BOWMAN. Effie has been playing her harp in the gardens of care homes for residents to give them something to take their mind off things since the schools have shut. Seth has accompanied, with his trombone, on several occasions too. They are both also ­participating in a virtual run of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for the YMCA in Burton on Trent. I’m very proud. Nanna Jane

My son JAMES HARRIS is on furlough and his girlfriend SAMANTHA BOLAM MORRIS is on restricted hours as a dental nurse. They have been amazing in supporting their family, who are key workers and vulnerable relatives, ­making sure they have their essentials. They have been shopping and ­delivering to family members, travelling miles without a second thought for their own safety. They drop stuff off outside, give us waves, blowing kisses and ­smiling to brighten our days. These two are my heroes, they don’t take money from us, not even for the petrol they use. We love you. Mam (Helen McHugh) and Mark xx

Thank you to Enfield-based ADRIAN WHITE and the volunteers at his charity HEARTS AND HELPERS, who are going out of their way to take care of those less fortunate in the local community with medical care packages including hand-made hand sanitizers. Wish you and your team all the best. Peter

Please can we remember our POSTAL STAFF, FIREFIGHTERS and POLICE as well. They are the ones working behind the scenes and keeping the nation safe along with the NHS. Angie Winter

I WOULD like to nominate South ­Yorkshire’s HUBS AND FOOD AWARE AND HYGIENE BANK, which supports women and child victims of domestic and financial abuse. They have been amazing and generous in listening, caring and sending us love. KAREN and MO and the team have been incredibly supportive and ­delivered in our hour of need. ­Amazing – just I can’t thank them enough. Mrs A

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Angie Winter wants to thank our postal staff, firefighters and police as ‘they are the ones working behind the scenes and keeping the nation safe along with the NHS’[/caption]

I wish to put Professor PAUL and Dr JANET STARKEY down as my unsung heroes. I have been in isolation for 15 days. They have put their own wellbeing aside to bring me food and have kept me positive. They are my parents and it should be me looking after them. My love to you both. Gavin and your grandson Lucca

My husband CHRIS TILLEY is most definitely my superhero. He works as an HGV driver collecting people’s recycling. He, along with a great bunch of hard-working men and women based in Winsford, Cheshire, are out in the community putting themselves at risk providing a service many take for granted. They have received many notes and thank you cards, with children waving from the ­windows etc. This brightens up their day and really lifts their spirits. Chris has put himself forward on a list of ­volunteers, where he has offered to do anything to help anyone who may need him. He is absolutely my rock, encouraging me each and every day and ­leaving me kind notes and messages, always full of positivity and encouragement. I just wanted to say a big thank you. Mel Tilley

I would like to say a big thank you to the staff at SAUNDERSON’S MICA HARDWARE STORE in Wigton ­Cumbria, for keeping us sane in these testing times. Keeping us supplied with paint and gardening gear to stop divorces! A big thank you, guys. Brian Corrigan

I’d like to thank the Good Morning Service, which is a lifeline to many older and vulnerable people throughout Northern Ireland.

Andrea Cottle

I would like to thank my daughter EMMA HARBUTT and friend STACEY and family for their help and support which have been vital for me. I am ­disabled and can’t go out owing to walking difficulties. They have given me support with anything I need. Nothing is too much for them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sandra Harbutt

I should like to nominate my good friend TRACEY CROSSLEY BARLOW who is head chef, and her healthcare colleagues at KINGFISHER COURT RETIREMENT HOME in Sutton in Ashfield, Derbys. I have known Tracey for years and now live in New Zealand. She is much busier lately and sounds like she is putting a lot of extra hours in, as are the other staff, to ensure ­residents are well looked after during the Covid-19 crisis. She will probably be very embarrassed to be mentioned in a Sun thank you but if anyone deserves a vote of thanks it is her. Tracey is a very kind and thoughtful lady who I know puts a lot of effort into what she does for elderly residents. Louise Morgan

My mum ELAINE is my hero because she is still going to work as a cook for a residential home. When I went into hospital last weekend under very ­difficult circumstances she looked after my son. If it wasn’t for her don’t know what I would have done.  Lisa Matania

My hero is my husband, MARK NELSON. On the first week of the Easter break he and colleague MICHELLE GARNER were in school every day, plus visiting the homes of vulnerable pupils and delivering hot meals to students who are isolated or cannot make it to school to collect their own. They also collected all of the PPE equipment from their academy and delivered it to help the NHS. Kathryn Nelson

I would like to thank NATASHA AMIEE ROSE and all the brilliant hard-working staff at TESCO in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. They have been working incredibly hard every day to make sure we all have everything we need and they are always happy and greet you with a smile. I think they all deserve praise for their efforts to help keep the country going during this difficult time and they should be acknowledged for the huge risks they are taking so we can all have our groceries. Lorna Puttock

My hero is my lovely daughter HANNAH HASHEM. She’s my full-time carer. Without her I’d be lost. She’s more than a daughter, she’s my best friend. She cooks, bakes and cleans, and helps whenever possible. Love you, Hannah. Mum xxx

To LISA and the WOMEN’S AID LIVE CHAT team – you are absolute heroes and are saving the lives of women and children every day by giving support to those living with abusers during the lockdown. With lots of love, Teresa and your friends & colleagues xxx

Thanks to my friend CLAIRE THOMSON for her much-loved WhatsApp messages and Zoom calls. I would also like to thank Pastor JIM SMITH at the New Life Church, Prestwick, for the amazing online services and comforting words. Because I’m in 12-week isolation because of my health, this has made a massive difference getting through this challenging time. You’re both amazing. Kristine Gray

I want to say a massive thank you to all the NHS staff. Our own hero is JESSICA CRABB. She qualified as a nurse earlier this year and has gone straight into dealing with coronavirus patients in our local ­hospital. You work 13-hour shifts and selflessly care for patients while at work. We see how physically and emotionally exhausted you are when you come home. We are so unbelievably proud of you sweetheart. You are not just a hero to us but the whole of the country. Love, Sophie & Dad xx

I want to say a massive thank you to my boyfriend JOSH, who works at TAUNTON’S ASDA and doesn’t complain at all. He is working hard and so are all of his ­colleagues. We’re both doing our bit as I work in a pharmacy Monday to Friday and on weekends I am volunteering for the NHS scheme. Thank you to all the heroes – we are doing the country proud! Stef Pendon

We would like to say well done to our four sons, MARTIN, STEVEN, LEE and CHRIS who are all key workers striving very hard at this difficult time. Thank you boys, we love you. Mum and Dad

Our heroine is our lovely, kind and caring daughter HAYLEY SAFFILL, along with all the brave colleagues who she works with at the WEST CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL, in Whitehaven. They are all doing a fantastic job at this difficult time. Love to you all. From Mum, Lesley xx

We would like to nominate all of the NHS, CARE and KEY STAFF working in the country. But we are especially proud of our family members working on the frontline. Our eldest daughter JANE is a manager of a local 26-bed care home, working and on call 24 hours a day with her wonderful staff to keep the residents safe, well and happy during lockdown. Our second daughter, NICOLA, is a community sister risking herself every day visiting her patients, giving them all the care they need, working over and above the duties required. Granddaughter MEGAN is a physiotherapist in a hospital on the frontline, our niece ADELE is a community nurse, and our ­sister-in-law LYNN a nurse at our local ­hospital. Never have we as ­individuals, and as a country, been so very proud of our key workers and unsung heroes. So thank to you each and every one of you for your ­wonderful care, love and dedication. Please stay safe and know how very much we owe to you. Clare and Philip Short

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff at LARCHWOOD CARE HOME in Braintree, Essex, for being heroes before, during and beyond the coronavirus outbreak. You are all just so amazing. Diane May

We would like to say how proud we are of our daughter LUCY ADAMS and her colleagues at the STOKE ROYAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, Staffs, pharmacy for all their hard work keeping the medication flowing on the wards. Keep up the excellent work. Mum and dad (Barbara and Robert)

My heroines are my daughters ELLIE and KATIE LANGRIDGE. They both work for Sainsbury’s and have been doing extra hours for the past couple of weeks, putting themselves at risk of coronavirus to make sure that deliveries go out and the shelves are stocked. I’m so very proud. Love you mostest. Sue Langridge

I would like to give a big well done to my wife SANDRA JAMES and all the carers in Newcastle still going out to help the elderly. Also, thanks to my daughter-in-law CHRISTINE JAMES, a newly qualified nurse at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, who is just starting at this terrible time. We are all proud of you. From all the family

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Clare and Philip Short want to nominate all of the NHS, care and key staff working in the country[/caption]

We would like to give a big shout out to STEVE WILLIAMS, who is currently off work and so is volunteering in the local fruit and veg shop, delivering to the old and vulnerable. We’re all so very, very proud of you. Nicola, Rhys & Gethin xxx

A massive thank you to my SSAFA team of caseworkers who are supporting veterans and their families through the crisis here in Carterton and West Oxfordshire. The same huge thank you goes to Pastor ­BLESSON KALLIMEL who is helping me deliver food parcels to our vulnerable residents, and to all those people who have given us ­donations. Thank you to our brave and wonderful NHS and front line workers that have kept this country running. Lynn, Div Sec for SSAFA Carterton Oxfordshire

I want to give a big hand to ST JOHNS AMBULANCE staff – the quiet heroes who make such a difference. Thanks to each and every one of you. Steph Jones

My heroines are my daughters Ellie and Katie who have been doing extra hours at Sainsbury’s. My heroes!

Sue Langridge

A big thank you to colleagues in the LANCASTER SUITE, ROYAL LANCASTER INFIRMARY. We have worked so hard over the past five weeks. We are all heroes in my eyes. ­Covid-19 – we WILL beat you. Long shifts, PPE, poorly patients yet still we stand tall. Wendy Bridie, RLI Lancaster

I would like to nominate KIMBERLY JAYNE EDGAR as one of our unsung heroes. She had only just moved to Lowestoft from Kent two weeks before the lockdown came into effect. As a registrar key worker she has to ­console the families and register those lost during this crisis. Being new to the area, she only has her sisters for support, both of whom she cannot see. Absolute champion. From Kirsty, Damian and Evie xx

I’d like to thank my son, firefighter ELLIOTT BIRD, and brother, fire officer JONATHAN BIRD, for keeping us all safe. From Jacqueline Bird

I would like to send thanks to the NHS for the brilliant job they are doing, and also the local shops, chemists and lorry drivers bringing daily deliveries to us. Heroes. Mr and Mrs Richardson

I want to salute my wife ANN BATTIMELLI and all the staff at ST LUKES CARE HOME, CAVERSHAM. Not only has she volunteered for frontline care at the home, she thought of the staff when she took in an Easter egg for every one of them. Such a thoughtful thing to do. That’s why I love her so much. Dave Battimelli

Let’s give credit to our LOCAL SHOPS and staff who have been such a lifeline. I hope people remember them in the future when these difficult times pass. Bob Johnson

In this time of crisis I would like to say thank you to my local ICELAND supermarket. I live in a flat with my faithful dog and I’m 66, I have no car, just a bicycle, so carrying a week’s worth of shopping would be nigh on impossible. I also would like to say a big thank you to the delivery drivers, along with the staff working in the store. I also would like to thank the staff at my local PREMIER and CO-OP stores here in Pakefield. Lastly, a big thank you to all the NHS NURSES and DOCTORS who are in the front line of this crisis. Without your dedication no doubt many more people who have survived this virus would not be here today. Colin Grimmer

I want to say thanks to unsung hero “JOLIET JAKE BLUES” in his Blues Brothers cop car with a loudspeaker. Over the past weeks he’s spent hours doing pre-arranged visits to care homes throughout Derby and Nottingham – mainly at his own expense, playing familiar music to the ­residents and carers. The reactions are of pure delight and joy. Many residents have been waving from windows or assisted outside. Some have been ­dancing, waving and recalling the words as they sing along. While they can’t have family or friends ­visiting, Jake has brought hope and smiles to so many in this scary situation. He cares so much – he’s one in a million with a heart of pure gold. From Rosalie Brain

SWNS:South West News Service

Kay Symonds is lovingly making as many scrubs as possible for the NHS nurse who saved her life[/caption]

I would like to say a big thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the staff at COLLEGE FIELDS NURSING HOME, Barry, who are looking after my 92-year-old mother and other ­residents, some of who, like my mum, have dementia. I visited nearly every day before Covid-19. The staff have made it a little ­easier for me to accept that I cannot ­cuddle or kiss Mum, by making her days fun and arranging video calls from ­relatives, and we can still deliver things like flowers etc. They deserve praise and thanks from myself and all the other families. Ann Powner

Big thanks to all the NHS WORKERS and CARERS for all their dedication and time. Also thanks to our daughter VANESSA who is a community first responder and helping out the ambulance service by cleaning the ambulance stations at weekends. Thanks also to our friend JACQUI who is a nurse and working hard during this difficult ­period. Love to you all. Connie & Terry xxx

I would like to say a huge thank you to DAIRYFRESH who have been ­giving free milk and bread to the NHS workers twice a week outside St Barts Hospital in ­London. It’s a really kind gesture and a great help. Thanks, guys. NHS worker

We would like to thank our granddaughter KIRSTY-JAYNE GREENHALGH, who is a healthcare assistant at the QMC NOTTINGHAM. She lives with us but has moved out of the family home to keep us all safe. It is very hard not seeing her daily, but she always does what is best for everybody around her. We hope that this Covid-19 crisis is over very soon. But in the meantime, she makes us so proud. John and Sheila Greenhalgh

I want to give a big hand to St Johns Ambulance staff – the quiet heroes who make such a difference.

Steph Jones

My unsung heroes are CAROL and MARK BEDOE from Corby in Northants. My wife and I are 78 and I have serious health issues. During these very vulnerable times Carol and Mark have been our “shining lights”, getting in our shopping and checking in daily to see that we are OK. Mark has also been looking after our lawn and hedges, taking a great burden off us. What a comfort to have such kind and caring neighbours who do this out of kindness while seeking no reward. God bless them both. Angus Darwin

I want to thank CLAIRE HUGHES and her amazing team – SELINA, SUSIE, MEGAN, STACEY, DEB and VALERIE – at the Sofea Community Larder Didcot. They are providing thousands of ­emergency food boxes to people in Oxfordshire. Around 5,000 went out last week. These ladies are the kindest, caring people you will ever meet. Sofea does so much for the people of Oxfordshire. Their whole team at the warehouse work seven days a week to make thousands of boxes – they’re our angels. The food is keeping my family fed. Thank you. Emma x

To my very good friend T, who works in a home in Dover, Kent, specialising in dementia care for the elderly. You do an incredible job, putting yourself at risk every day to look after the vulnerable, to hold the hands and calm the nerves of the ones who need you. You are an inspiration, a true hero, a legend. Pagan Lotus

A big thank you to SADIE OWEN for her Saturday gigs and support to our people with learning difficulties. Especially for my son Richard, keeping him entertained in our weeks of isolation. Jacqueline and the Leapgate Group

I would like to thank my daughter CHARMAINE COOKE and her work colleagues at CO-OP TIVIDALE, Sandwell, for all their hard work keeping shelves filled, serving customers, ­delivering to those in isolation and ­presenting a happy environment in the shop. They are doing a great job at this difficult time despite feeling the pressure and concern of working in a position where they are at risk of becoming infected and taking the virus home to their families. Thank you. Denise Price

Alamy

Plenty of readers have given their thanks to supermarket workers, and today Rosalie Brain wants to say a special thanks to the staff in her local store[/caption]

Big shout out to all my colleagues and the staff at GATEFORD HILL CARE HOME in Worksop for doing such a great job looking after all the residents.. truly amazing people! Victoria Hopkinson

Well done to my friend LINDA ­WOODHEAD and all her amazing staff, who continue to work through these testing times. They never complain despite the fact they work with limited PPE equipment and limited food resources. They provide first-class ­residential care and supported housing for adults with learning disabilities. A superb team. Lots and lots of love. Alan Daniell & Family xx

Thanks to the TRUSSELL TRUST, whose food banks make such a difference to families – the staff are some of ­Britain’s unsung heroes. Emma Parkes

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