Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire thanks 'inspiring and jaw-dropping' unsung heroes

Now everyday “unsung heroes” have been thanked by the Queen’s representative in South Yorkshire, Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, for their efforts to keep the county moving during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Coombe has written a personal thank-you letter to those he describes as “normally less visible” who have made “inspiring and jaw-dropping examples of personal sacrifice and commitment”.

Praise has been rightly given to those working in the NHS, police and fire services, military and local authorities, he said, but, the opportunity to stop and reflect has made him wish to thank all those other people who have shown “courage and selflessness” in getting the job done - from shops and supermarket staff, truck and van drivers, those who work in utilities, Royal Mail staff, bus and train drivers, refuse collectors, religious leaders, undertakers, teachers and so many more, including our farmers, “many of whom are still reeling from the impact of the recent floods”.

Join our new coronavirus Facebook group for the latest confirmed news and advice as soon as we get it www.facebook.com/groups/yorkshirecoronavirusSpeaking from his home in Sheffield, where he is self-isolating, Mr Coombe told the Yorkshire Post: “In normal circumstances, I would go out and meet them and thank them face-to face. These are people who are not normally centre stage, but quietly there in the background, and integral part of every team.

“Now they are centre stage, doing the jobs that as a society, we depend, putting themselves at risk.”

Mr Coombe has also recorded video thank you messages to emergency services and NHS staff, and written letters of appreciation to those in the voluntary sector and business communities.

He said there were numerous examples of businesses going above and beyond in recent weeks, including educational resource website Twinkl, which was founded by Sheffield couple Jonathan and Susan Seaton. Usually a subscription site, it has provided free access to over 635,000 teaching and learning materials to support teachers, parents and carers as schools remain closed to most pupils.

“There have been some remarkable stories of individuals, companies and voluntary organisations doing amazing things ,” Mr Coombe said. “Everybody has been touched severely by this - and we want to recognise that everyone has had their part to play.

"There are so many heroes out there, and we are not very good in South Yorkshire in thanking ourselves, so I want to do it for all of us.”

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