Hero of lockdown celebrated in book
ONE of Leicester’s Covid heroes will join a list of 100 selfless people in a book inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Arif Voraji, who has won awards for his work supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the city, will feature in One Hundred Reasons to Hope.
The book, published by Puffin, celebrates the country’s everyday heroes, from well-known figures such as Joe Wicks to the keyworkers who went the extra mile during the coronavirus crisis.
Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the hearts of people across the nation when he walked 100 laps of his garden, ending on his 100th birthday, to raise money for the NHS in April last year.
He aimed to raise £1,000 but his indomitable spirit struck a chord with the nation, and he ended up raising just short of £39 million.
He received tributes from across the country when he died in February.
The veteran wanted to celebrate other inspirational stories which arose from the pandemic – an uncertain time for many, but one that came with glimmers of hope in every corner of the UK.
Arif Voraji and his Help the Homeless team were one of those chosen.
The charity had been established in Leicester for several years before the pandemic.
But during the first national lockdown, Help the Homeless extended its support to people facing financial difficulty and those who had to isolate themselves.
It also helped to deliver hot meals, hand creams and more, to frontline, NHS staff.
“It’s a proud moment but the work we do is all a team effort,” Arif said.
To many, Help the Homeless was a lifeline during Leicester’s multiple lockdowns and continues to be as the impact of Covid-19 continues to affect us.
Arif, who also won the Mercury’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2020, has also an illustration created to go alongside his story, by artist Adam Larkum.
“I am quite excited – it’s not every day you get to be in a book,” the 42-year-old said. Written by Paralympian Danielle Brown and introduced by Sir Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, One Hundred Reasons to Hope tells other true stories of everyday kindness and community.
The editor of the book said: “Puffin tried to choose a selection of stories from across the country, showcasing all sorts of different hopeful stories.
“We were blown away by the hopeful acts of kindness shown throughout the pandemic, and the stories chosen are truly inspiring – and we know there will be many other incredible stories out there, too.”
■ One Hundred Reasons to Hope is out now, in hardcover, priced £9.99.