Let’s do this together

Twas the night before lockdown 2.0, when all through the country… people were panic-buying bog roll and pasta again!

There’s been a lot of talk about how much harder this lockdown will be compared to the last time – and with winter on its way, there may be some truth in that.

But as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.

Which is why I’ve just invested in two new pairs of sturdy wellies to make sure me and The Dark Lord spend our weekends getting out and about in the fresh air.

I think we need to try to see lockdown 2.0 as an opportunity to take another breather from our busy lives – and try to use it for something positive, like Mary Gorman in Warrington, picture whose letter this week inspired me. .

Mary, left, writes: “I am 72 and before March I was still doing a job I loved. Then lockdown happened and over-70s were told to self-isolate, and I was furloughed from work.

“The months dragged by… but then my grandson told me about to keep fit guru Joe Wicks. . That was the beginning of a love affair with exercise. As the weeks passed I was feeling younger, and I was slowly uncovering a new version of myself.

“In August I walked 62 miles for Refuge – two miles a day – and this week I have just completed a 50-mile challenge for The Samaritans.

“As I walked I came to understand that lockdown had been a gift. After many years of working and bringing up a family, I am now free to rejoice in being me again.”

Email me at siobhan.mcnally@mirror.co.uk or write to Community Corner, PO Box 791, Winchester SO23 3RP.