The applause must go on for the brilliant people around us
My first Corona Hero today is Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek Draper has been in hospital for almost two months battling Covid. Garraway is best known as a presenter on Good Morning Britain, and during the course of the lockdown, she has become a face of strength and hope for anyone whose life has been turned upside down by this dreadful disease.
Garraway, along with her children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 10, posts a video each week showing her street as they all clap for carers. On Thursday, she said that she “felt the tears come tonight to think it’s coming to an end while our fear for Derek goes on”. Garraway reminds us that while the weekly applause may have become political, for many it is something much more important than that. I hope that the clapping continues – not just for the carers but also for the families like Garraway’s who now, more than ever, need to know they are being held in our thoughts.
Joanne Rowlands, nominated by her cousin, Pamela Baker
Joanne had a stroke, while driving her car, 25 years ago. Her brain is still very much active, but unfortunately she cannot speak or walk, and needs 24-hour care. She sent my husband and I red knitted earsavers [which stop face masks chafing] knowing that, unlike her Evertonian family, we support Liverpool FC. Her carers do the knitting, but she chooses buttons and holds them down while they are sewn. She also sends donations to her local food bank. I love her spirit and generous nature. I don’t know if you think she is a hero, but I certainly do.