Bradford-based plumbing group Clever Energy Boilers has been paying tribute to key workers across the city by giving away cash rewards to a dozen people nominated for their dedicated work throughout the coronavirus lockdown.
Over six weeks, the Keighley born and bred firm asked the public to put forward friends and colleagues “who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of others during the pandemic”.
The business drew names at random from the nominees and winners received cheques for between £50-£100 each from Clever Energy Boilers director Paul Calvert.
He said: “As key workers ourselves, we realised so many others were putting themselves in real danger to selflessly help out others during lockdown. Clever Energy Boilers has completed a number of jobs for our hardworking NHS staff and we wanted to be able to give something back to celebrate all these fantastic people in the community. We had so many truly worthy and moving nominations, which were heart-warming to receive.”
Winners included Jayne MacDonnell, who was nominated for her work at the Sue Belcher Centre in Bracken Bank, Keighley.
Tracy Tuff, who put her forward, said: “I nominate Jayne MacDonnell and her team for her tireless work in the community. She is the chair for Sue Belcher centre and volunteers to make Bracken Bank a better place to live. However, Jayne and her team went beyond this. Identifying local children would be in lockdown over Easter she contacted local companies and arranged for a drive around dressed up in Paw Patrol and other various costumes and went around loads of streets in Keighley giving away free Easter eggs – the kids loved it. She not only looked after the Bracken Bank kids but went around all the estates, she deserves a medal.”
On receiving her cheque from Clever Energy Boilers, Jayne told Paul Calvert that she would be donating the full £100 to the local Bracken Bank residents to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rebecca Regan of Staveley Court nursing home in Keighley, pictured, contacted Clever Energy Boiler by email to nominate the team at Staveley Court Extra Care Scheme, who were also rewarded.
Natalie Ward successfully nominated her colleagues Beth Shackleton and Amber Walsh at The Salvation Army’s Bradford Day Shelter.