It was a long walk… I was absolutely knackered by the end of the snow

IT was an unprecedented storm that caused havoc across the country.

But it also saw heroic deeds to match as emergency services workers showed grit and determination to beat the lack of transport and deep snow drifts to continue helping those in desperate need.

In some areas, such as Edinburgh, Fife and Tayside, soldiers were drafted in to help get key NHS staff into work as they would have been unable to get in otherwise.

In the Border a carer has told how she walked around 40 miles through the snow to look after vulnerable residents trapped in their homes.

Fiona Mcdermid, 57, from Selkirk, trudged through several feet of snow to ensure every single one of them had their needs met throughout the weather emergency.

“My phone’s step tracker clocked 40 miles over four days, including 16 miles in one day alone,” said Ms Mcdermid, who works for social care provider SB Cares.

“It was hard going and I was up to my knees at some points.

“I wasn’t the only one who walked for miles, the majority of support workers did as we had no other option. I’m part of the outlying team so I got out to Lilliesleaf and up the Yarrow Valley, so I usually travel by car because you can get more clients in.

“It was a long walk and it was a struggle to find time to get a break and get something to eat, and we were under a lot of pressure so I was absolutely knackered by the end of the snow. We work four days on and four days off, so I was glad of my four days off by the end of it.”

Mandy Fox, 49, a carer from St Boswells, said: “It’s a good service. Having worked in nursing homes I can see that it is better to see people in their own homes. St Boswells isn’t that big, only a few miles across, so I didn’t do anything like some of the others did.

“But first thing in the morning with driving snow hammering into your face, you’re soaking, before you start work.

“The old ones were worried about us. I heard ‘Aw hen, you shouldn’t be out in this’ a lot. It was distressing for them because they don’t want to see us go through that.

“There is still community spirit out there when we need it.”