Here in Swindon, we are extremely fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers who carry out fantastic work every day, making a huge difference in our local community.
We should be proud of the great work being carried out by our secret army of volunteers and this work should be highlighted and our volunteers celebrated, especially during Volunteer Week.
Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, I have heard so many amazing stories of local residents, businesses and community groups who have been looking out for elderly people and those who are vulnerable in our community. The amount of people who have selflessly come forward to volunteer reflects the strong sense of community spirit we have here in Swindon. This truly makes me a proud MP.
Here are your nominations for our Covid Community Champion in South Swindon.
Thank you
Michelle Joof
You have been nominated by Leah Eatwell who said:
"Michelle is amazing, yesterday she cooked (free of charge) for over 40 people, she delivered her meals and didn't ask for a penny or any help. Even though she has seven kids herself to feed. She's supporting lots of different people in many ways, I think she is incredible. She really is amazing and she doesn't even realise just how great she is. "
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Jamie Tilbury and Jennie Weatherhead
You have been nominated by Bazil Solomon who said:
"I would like to nominate Jamie and Jennie for building Swindon Covid-19/Suppliers and delivery businesses https://www.facebook.com/groups/554117645211483/
"They have been responsible for getting all businesses and residents together on the Facebook site. The site is to help residents search for and find essential businesses quickly that are available during Covid-19 crisis. The site has over 1000 members and businesses. They are always positive about everyone's efforts to look after residents in line with Government and scientific advice."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Toby Elliott
You have been nominated by Jack Hayward who said:
"I am 87 years of age and disabled and in the at risk group. Toby has placed himself at my Beck and call and has been a vital link to do my shopping for me that includes extra off the shelf medical toiletries that assist me for my needs. This has taken a burden off my shoulders during this stressful time for which I am extremely grateful."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Walid Meah
You have been nominated by Nazma Ramruttun who said:
"I am nominating Walid Meah for our MP's Award.
"I have know Walid since he was a College boy. He used to come to our "Residential Care Home for Mental Health and Learning Disability," and talked to the residents.
"Tragedy struck and his dad died suddenly, forcing him to take on the responsibility of his dad's business, his mother and younger sibling. He had to abandon his studies.
"During the Coronavirus pandemic, Walid has been donating food to Homelessness, Sheltered, vulnerable elderly, Shielding and Great Western Hospital. He did so without any publicity for recognition. He is a shy young man. He does a lot for our community.
"I, myself, I have been the recipient of his generosity and also his constant checking on me to see if I am ok or whether I need any help. For me, having someone talking to me means a great deal. It feels like there is someone there for you if needed, that is you are not alone."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
RT Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Sadie Ali and his team/family at The Khyber restaurant
You have been nominated by Joanna Rees-Bains who said:
"Sadik heads up the family business which his father originally set up in 1959. Sadly,he passed away not long after and as the eldest son, Sadik was left at a young age to provide for his family. They support many local charity events throughout Swindon and are extremely generous during this very difficult period.
"This business has not been asking for donations from the public, or gaining funding from other sources, but purely through Sadik’s guidance, through their own funds they have been providing meals to the GWH staff through the Covid-19 outbreak. It is all totally selfless and voluntary action at its purest from a local businessman and his family team who care."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you to all of the volunteers at Dressability
You have been nominated by Sharon Tombs who said:
"I would like to nominate the volunteers of Dressability for this award. Throughout the Corona virus pandemic they have worked so hard making PPE and delivering it to care homes, the hospital, Prospect Hospice and numerous health centres.
"Together with 3 part-time staff, we have provided over 2100 items of PPE free of charge locally, and I think our volunteers deserve some recognition for their continued support in our local community.
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Colin and Carole Dunn
You have been nominated by Valerie Nix who said:
"Colin and Carole regularly shop for me. Every fortnight, Colin also puts out all my bins for collection."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you June and Robert Parslow
You have been nominated by Valerie Nix who said:
"I would like to nominate June and Robert Parslow as being very kind neighbours."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Mrs Nikki Marvell
You have been nominated by Mrs Sarah Selby who said:
"I have 2 ASD beautiful boys one with very complex needs and both moving onto specialist provision in Sep.
"I would love to nominate my son's current SENCO at their mainstream school.
"She is absolutely amazing and during this time, has been such a huge support to me and my family. We get calls for a catch up every week, I can email her anytime. Offers of help and respite for the children going into school. Organised themed work around their special interests. Organised social distancing visits into school to say hello.
"Her commitment and dedication to her job is just incredible and I think she has helped me so much over a really difficult time with children with challenging needs.
"She's goes above and beyond and I'm so very grateful and she is the only person to really support us during that time. I don't know what I'd do without her.
"Her name is Mrs Nikki Marvell and she is SENCO at Brookfield School, Cartwright Drive, Swindon.
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Manni Madhani and Team
You have been nominated by Mark Jefferies who said:
"I would like to nominate manni madhani for the great work he has done ✅ for the NHS and the Community, top job Manni."
You have been nominated by Kelli Salone who said:
"I would like to nominate Manni Madhani at the old Bank as our local hero."
"He has worked so had making sandwiches and feeding our key workers. Over 7000 sandwiches."
"And he’s so humble, always thanking other people and giving other people recognition for their hard work."
You have been nominated by is Lisa Thompson-Charman she said:
"I would like to nominate Manni Madhan. I work for the NHS at Great Western Hospital and he brings us food and gifts and is such a selfless guy! He has been helping the community since before the lockdown and he deserves to know how grateful we all are, we need more people in the world like him."
You have been nominated by Angela, Gary and Kieran Saunders who said:
"We are going through a very unique time as you know, and whilst lockdown had it's own challenges for us all, one person has stood out for sheer dedication to help the very stressed health workers.
"Manni Madhani from the Bank Restaurant in Wood Street and his wonderful team have spent all their time making sandwiches for staff at GWH.
"He could have stayed home, but it isn't like him, he has to help people. He is a thoroughly decent gentleman and an unfailingly kind man. He deserves recognition for his incredibly thoughtful hard work during this very testing time. "
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Jon and Elaine from Coventry Farm Store of Wroughton
You have been nominated by Natalie Clark (otherwise known to Jon as "Nurse Lady) who said:
"I would love to nominate Coventry Farm Store of Wroughton (Jon and Elaine).
"They have gone above and beyond for their entire community!
"Not only are they lovely people during ordinary times, but now, since Covid, they are providing FREE home deliveries of food, newspapers and essentials to not only wroughton but all over Swindon! They are constantly putting themselves on the frontline to care for their community. Whilst running the shop, collecting stock, deliveries etc, they are also running a cleaning company for vulnerable people within the community.
"Jon and Elaine are doing this through the kindness of their hearts. They truly deserve recognition for their hard work and kindness!
"They are the most loveliest people and always put others first. It's about time they received some positive thanks in return! I genuinely believe they deserve a medal and they should be applauded on a Thursday night. They are even taking donations to provide the NHS with squash, tea, coffee and snacks. They genuinely couldn't do anymore than they are. They as working 7 days a week nearly all hours."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Suresh Gattapur & Kavita Suresh
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Suresh Gattapur and Kavita Suresh for supporting the elderly & vulnerable in the lockdown, including delivering food & other essentials. Liaising with local & international authorities for repatriating hundreds of students & elderly to India during the lockdown. Also arranging valuable Covid information zoom meetings for the benefit of the local community."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Mandy Smith
You have been nominated by Moya Pinson who said:
"I would like to nominate Mandy Smith for all she has done as a volunteer to support our community in West Swindon, during the Pandemic.
"Mandy used to be the Volunteer lead at a Wednesday lunch club before Toothill Community Centre Closed down. The Lunch Club provided a regular affordable cooked meal with fresh vegetables as well as valuable social time for many pensioners. When the Community Centre shut down, she arranged with Dennis at the Harvey Pub, near West Swindon Library, for the members to meet there instead. Dennis provides a weekly affordable meal for the group. Of course, the Pub had to shut because of the Pandemic and lots of other problems arose.
"From the outset, we were made aware that older people are at highest risk from the COVID-19 and kind Mandy continued to care for the vulnerable, isolated members of the Lunch Club. She has kept in touch with them on the phone, as well as doing shopping for many of them and taking it to their home. This regular support has kept them feeling safe, not alone or isolated and having food and other shopping brought. Even if members have support from other friends or family, she has still always checked if they need anything before doing her weekly shop for everyone. This feeling of security she has given everyone is something you cannot buy. All members have been spared the anxiety of wondering if they will be safe and have essentials despite the lock down.
"I offered Mandy some extra money for her petrol and she refused. She has been a treasure in the community and deserves celebrating in Volunteer Week for all her generous volunteering. I am sure there were at least 26 members at the club and she has made sure we were all ok."
From the heart
Moya
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Vasanti Thakrar
You have been nominated by Albert Charles Passmore who said:
"I would like to nominate my neighbour, Vasanti Thakrar as she has been my local community champion who has gone out of her way at this difficult time.
"She has been very helpful and always checks on my welfare and my neighbour, James as well. She has always supported us selflessly even before the Covid19 pandemic for past few years.
"I have learning, reading, writing disabilities. I suffer from mental health and self harm and other medical health issues. She has made contacts with occupational department on behalf to support me and has also managed to get me all the adaptions equipment. I feel I would be lost without her help. She always has time for me and comes down to help us when we ask. She always goes that extra mile for us. She does our shopping, medical paperwork, medical appointments and she has arranged for our medication to be delivered to us at home.
"She is always there for the tenants in this Tower Block. Has good listening skills and problem solving solutions."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Bipin Suresh
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"In spite of being only a medical student, Bipin has shown tremendous professionalism in helping the NHS during the current crisis."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Chef Sanjay Dogra
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan
"For voluntarily providing hot meals supply from his pub kitchen & delivering to a number of places."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Gloria Wilson
You have been nominated by Kavitha Suresh who said:
"I would like to nominate Gloria Wilson. She is keyworker in Asda. After 7 to 8 hours work, she shops for elderly isolation people."
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Gloria for shopping for elderly people."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Sunny Patel
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Sunny for helping the community from his local shop & providing 2000 hot meals."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you to the team at Recycles, Booth House
You have been nominated by Chloe Kirwan who said:
"Throughout lockdown they stayed open to support NHS workers with free bikes. My team of 3 mechanics and one volunteer(who is experiencing homelessness) came in no matter what, to build and supply over 60 bikes for free to front line workers. They then worked on around 40 more bikes for keyworkers, keeping the prices between £40-50.
"The team worked non stop and didn't moan once. The demand on bikes has increased by over 500% and the team stayed focused on ensuring they could support those working and caring within our community.
"I know this doesn't sound like much, but they had the option to close the shop and they opted to stay open and put themselves at risk to support others. We didn't look to make any profit through this, as a small struggling charity it was a big ask and we did it.
I am extremely proud of my team given the line of work we do daily and would love for them to be considered."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Maria & Susie from Booth House
You have been nominated by Chloe Kirwan who said:
"One week into lockdown Maria and Susie asked if they could set up an internal tuck shop, selling items like tea, coffee and chocolates ect to the 50 residents who currently live at Booth House (all experiencing homelessness). The idea was to reduce the movement within the building, keeping those vulnerable safe. Also, easing pressure on our local supermarkets in town by minimising those leaving from the centre.
"The ladies then set up a Just Giving page and use this opportunity to fundraise to support The Great Western Hospital. They raised an amazing £1000 (plus gift aid) which for a centre where everyone is in need and has minimal to give we think is outstanding.
"Since hitting their target, they have now moved on to raise funds for Prospect Hospice. They have kept their tuck shop well stocked and given their time up daily (for 8 weeks now!) to ensure the shop can stay open. They arrange for cream teas, cupcakes and BBQ's to be organised (all with social distancing) to keep sprits high, keep people motivated and help their mental health."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Julie Hynes
You have been nominated by Anita Frazer who said:
"I would love to nominate my amazing Mother, Julie Hynes, for all of her hard work during this period, she is a health carer and works sometimes up to 15 hours a day ,caring for people in their homes. On top of that, my husband, daughter and myself developed some mild symptoms some weeks ago, and had to isolate for the full 14 days as we all came out in symptoms of the virus at various times. My mum took on all of our shopping at that stage as well, to provide us with exactly what we needed in between her eye watering long days."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Jayne Jenkins
You have been nominated by Lucy Taylor who said:
"I want to recommend Jayne Jenkins who has organised and coordinated For the Love of Scrubs - Swindon and Marlborough. She has organised fundraising to buy materials, donated a lot of money herself and driven to Cardiff multiple times to collect patterns. She has submitted bids to get extra fabric, so we can keep sewing for GWH. Every Thursday and Friday, she drives all over Swindon and Marlborough to deliver fabric and collect scrubs. She is doing all this with no public recognition, or for personal glory, but just to help out. She certainly deserves recognition for all she is doing."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Trevor Carlton and Heather Carlton
You have been nominated by Suresh Gattapur who said:
"Both were instrumental in helping to plant trees,1000 bulbs and 175 red Campions in the Westlea park. During lockdown, the couple spent nearly 50 hours together, cutting back the brambles and cleaning up the weeds from the Westlea park area, where our Clean and Green project work has been underway for the last 2 years."
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Trevor and Heather for planting flowers in Westlea."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Sally Parker
You have been nominated by Martina Lewis who said:
"When the Lockdown started, I was told about a lady without any internet connection and no mobile, living by herself and suffering from mental health issues. All she had was her landline and she felt very very lonely, suicidal and was not sure how she would see through the coming weeks
"I went on to set up a group of volunteers to go on a rota to give her one or maybe 2 calls a week to keep her above water.
"I had 5 people on the rota and I feel all 5 need mentioning, but there was one that has carried on ringing this lady on a regular basis no matter what until today.
"The other four had work commitments and had to leave, but I am sure they would have carried on if they would have been free to do so.
"The lady that persevered for the entire Lockdown period is Sally Parker.
"The other ladies are :
- Neetu Bhardwaj
- Sue Day
- Natasha Easter
- Naomi Karen
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Swindon Volunteers Group - Pradeep Bharadwaj, Sunny Raj Patel and Chief Chef of Smoke house Chiseldon, Mr Sanjay Dogra
You have been nominated by Suresh Gattapur who said:
"These Swindon Volunteers have cooked and served 1700 hot meals for frontline health workers, fire station staff, police, the homeless and other vulnerable people of Swindon. Their work is commendable."
You have been nominated by Aditi Sharma who said:
"I want to nominate “Swindon Volunteers” group as our Community Champions for all their volunteering work in Swindon – More than 2,000 free hot meals to help people and key workers, free shopping for people, collecting medicines & school meals for people, distributing masks, scrubs & scrub bags for the NHS people and many other acts of kindness."
You have been nominated by Nandini Singh who said:
"I would like to nominate the Swindon Volunteers Group who have, without fail, in these challenging times, reached out to the front line workers and other residents by supplying food, masks, medicines and other much needed supplies.
"They have been outstanding and in my opinion rightly deserve recognition."
You have been nominated by Ankita Ghosh who said:
"I am nominating “Swindon Volunteers” group as our Community Champions for all their volunteering work in Swindon – More than 2,000 free hot meals to help people and key workers, free shopping for people, collecting medicines & school meals for people, distributing masks, scrubs & scrub bags for NHS people and many other acts of kindness.
"This is unparalleled ‘sewa’ aligning to Hindu beliefs. I am so very proud of this tireless group who have extended their support to Swindon’s heterogeneous population, especially the vulnerable and key workers.
"I hope their name and their effort receives due recognition."
You have been nominated by Dr KN Achar who said:
"I would like nominate “Swindon Volunteers” group for the Community Champions Award. They have been doing so much work, every day, for almost three months. It will be good to just say thanks for all their hard work.
"I think they truly deserve the above award!"
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Tim Swinyard
You have been nominated by Suresh Gattapur who said:
"Tim was instrumental in creating a Swindon Support Facebook group where there are 3000 members. Residents of Swindon can reach out to volunteers for their shopping, medicine collection and any other help. This was received very well with all of the communities."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Ashish Channavar
You have been nominated by Suresh Gattapur who said:
"Ashish is working relentlessly in supporting vulnerable elderly people, Indian Students and Students who are in distress and short of income. He organised a team to deliver free packed food items for students across Swindon, the West Midlands and London area."
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Ashish for leading INSA to provide food for students."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Billy and wife from Suain Stores in Goddard Avenue
You have been nominated by Mary Finch and fellow residents in Goddard House who said:
"Billy and his wife have provided an invaluable resource during the pandemic, keeping the shop well stocked, clean and safe.
"Billy is always willing to help and has carried shopping home for residents and delivered shopping to vulnerable tenants who are shielding.
"He has listened to suggestions for items that people would like to see stocked, like fresh fruit and vegetables, which has saved trips further afield to buy these.
"He provided a list of local volunteers who could help in other ways such as collecting prescriptions.
"Above all else, the shop is always friendly and welcoming during these difficult times."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Sanjay and his team at the Patriots Arms in Chiseldon
You have been nominated by Steve Thompson who said:
"I’d like to nominate Sanjay and his team at the Patriots Arms in Chiseldon as community champions. Although they were only just taking over the Pats when lockdown started, they’ve served 2000 free meals to at risk folk in and around the village as well as health and emergency workers during lockdown, working long hours to prepare, cook and deliver meals, as well as offering free masks with their takeaway orders.
"They deserve recognition for this!!"
Thank you Mark at The Taylor Shop
You have been nominated by Gail Collins who said:
"I would like to nominate my son, Mark of The Tailor's Shop, as soon as he heard about the lockdown, he gathered as much of his fabric and elastic as he could and brought it home to make masks for the NHS care homes and members of the public. All the ones for the NHS and care homes he donated and has donated to all over the country. He has made nearly 5000 now, he charged the public a few quid because they wanted to pay to help him pay for more fabric. His sister set up a fund page for him, which was great help, for the amount of materials he was having to buy.
"He delivered all the masks to GWH and often hand delivered all over Wiltshire, the rest he posted. I am so proud of him, he has sat here 7 days a week making these masks from morning till after 10 at night and some nights he was so tired ,but would not give up. He is still making them, but the pace is a bit slower now thank goodness, I am so proud of him. He puts every one before himself. From a proud mum."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Clair Wilkinson, Chiseldon's Parish Clerk
You have been nominated by Jane Beaumont who said:
"I would really like to nominate Clair Wilkinson, Chiseldon's Parish Clerk.. but she’s more than just that role.
"She goes above and beyond every single time anyone asks, wants or needs something - information or help with anything. Her network of contacts and support that she has is a true evidence of her dedication to making lives where she lives and the surrounding area better for all. If you follow our Facebook village page, everyone always says ‘asks Clair’ amazingly, she does all this with a family and two jobs and is still able to find room to help or support. I’m sure I’m not alone in this suggestion."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Catherine Bennett
You have been nominated by Sam and Denise Rawlings who said:
"We would like to nominate Catherine Bennett. She has been busy entertaining children with competitions, as well as putting together packs of useful things such as masks and hand creams for local key workers.
"She has dealt with this situation extremely well, whilst also living with her own mental health issues.
"She has been a real support to her friends and people around her."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Pradeep Bhardwaj
You have been nominated by Mohan Bal & Vidhya Mohan who said:
"We would like to nominate Pradeep for organising a team to deliver hot meals to much needed places."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Thank you Mr Rokib Ali and team at the Biplob restaurant
You have been nominated by Helal Khan who said:
"The restaurant is doing a very good job by giving food to older people. Also, they provide free food to NHS at GWH. All the staff are working hard to provide food."
You have been nominated by Bazil Solomon who said:
"Rokib and his team have supplied vulnerable and NHS staff with meals and support during Covid-19. They are always positive about everyone's efforts to look after residents in line with Government and scientific advice."
You have been nominated by Nazma Bibi Ramruttun who said:
I am nominating Rokib Ali, Biblop Restaurant and his team for working so hard and going the extra miles in providing meals and support for NHS Staff at GWH, Care Homes, Sheltered accommodation and people who are Shielding during Covid-19.
Rokib is a shy gentleman who has done tremendous work for the community but never seeks recognition. As someone with two cancers and Shielding, I have been receiving food, help and support from him and his team, which I am very grateful for.
Biplob is very positive about looking after the welfare of residents in line with the Government rules and guidelines."
You have been nominated by Sonny Hamid who said:
"Rokib is a very generous person and he has always donated generously on past occasions, not only with his own effort, also using the weight of his commercial operation in supplying food and drink to countless needy people."
You have been nominated by Adam Wainwright who said:
"I would very much like to nominate Rokib Ali from the Biplob as a community champion; in this unprecedented time of uncertainty and worry, Rokib and his staff have been feeding many people for free in the care home directly behind the restaurant. In the past, Rokib has also always supported me superbly well with many successful charity quiz nights, which I have hosted, raising £1,000s for amazing local causes/charities. Always going above and beyond, also adding more monies to the final total going to the Charity, which is a great credit to his and the restaurants generosity. He, along with his staff, make me immensely proud to be part of such a diverse caring Old Town Community and as a resident, it is really great to see and support."
You have been nominated by Caroline Black, Her Mum, Marilyn Somers and her neighbours at Goddard Court Retirement flats in Old Town who said:
"When pubs and restaurants were forced to close in March, Rokib mentioned to me how he felt so sorry for the elderly residents of Goddard Court, particularly as Mother's Day was approaching and family gatherings had been cancelled. His own parents are dead and he felt he wanted to do something to brighten up Mother's Day.
"Rokib asked me to make contact with my mum who is a resident and offer free meals for Mothering Sunday. The residents were absolutely delighted, most live on their own and are aged between 60 and 92. Mum took the orders and the meals were brought by Rokib and he helped distribute them to the 30 flats. Two days later, lockdown was announced. Rokib has continued to deliver every Thursday, 23 meals, each in individual bags with a main dish and some extra bits. The residents really love Thursday evenings and for many, it's the highlight of their week. My mum Marilyn, and her neighbour Margaret, collect from Rokib on the doorstep and distribute across the three floors. This really has made such a difference to people living there and the weekly delivery will continue for a long time yet.
"Rokib has also been delivering meals to the hospital staff, care homes and his regular customers who cannot get out. All this, during a time when his trade has been hit badly and he won't take a penny."
Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference to our town
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP