More set to get healthy
THE sister of murdered MP Jo Cox has described being made an MBE for her work fighting social isolation as “bitter sweet”.
Kim Leadbeater, an ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, has been recognised by the Palace for stepping up her work during the pandemic as millions were suddenly cut off from their support networks.
Ms Leadbeater’s sister, mother-oftwo Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair on June 16, 2016.
She had been the Labour MP for Batley and Spen for just over a year when she was killed by Mair – a social recluse – in Birstall.
Following her sister’s death, Ms Leadbeater threw herself into promoting causes Mrs Cox was passionate about. In her maiden speech in the House of Commons, Mrs Cox said: “We have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Ms Leadbeater founded the Great Get Together – a series of events within communities to help people create ties and help those who are lonely build support networks, and took place online during the pandemic.
Ms Leadbeater said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. I would have much preferred for my sister to be here carrying on the work she started on loneliness and so much else, but while this is sadly a bitter-sweet moment for our family, I know that Jo would be extremely proud. For me this is not a personal achievement – it is an acknowledgment of the many people who have worked alongside me since Jo’s murder to make a difference on the issues she cared deeply about. I am reminded every day that you are only as good as your team and your support network – and mine are amazing.”
She added: “The love and support of my parents and partner have carried me through some of the darkest of times. Jo’s children remain my constant inspiration, along with Jo herself of course.”
Ms Leadbeater said during the pandemic the work of the foundation, which is based in Batley town centre, had “never been more important”.
“We face unprecedented levels of loneliness and social isolation, compounded by grief and bereavement along with serious concerns around mental health and well-being,” she said.
“I intend to use the recognition of this honour to turbo-charge my efforts and those of my team to make as much difference as we can in 2021.”
Ms Leadbeater has advocated a strong sense of community as one of the most effective ways of preventing another tragedy like the death of her sister.
SNACKING on unhealthy food and drink or smoking while stuck at home due to Covid-19 has spurred more people to try and change their ways in the new year.
Fed up of the bad habits which crept in during the pandemic, 43% now feel more motivated to make changes to their life than they did in January 2020, an England-wide survey has found.
Since the pandemic began, 35% of people said they tucked into an unhealthy snack or drink at least once a day – up from 26% this time last year, while 29% agreed they smoked more since the second lockdown. And some 23% of adults noticed they were drinking more alcohol.