Lucky for all of us that we have these thirteen!
When Salt of the Earth was launched in January, jointly by the county council and this newspaper, we could never have foreseen the wide variety of ways people help each other in the community.
The intention was to share inspiring stories and examples of the very easy but meaningful ways we can all make somebody’s day brighter just by showing some kindness.
To date, each nominee has been very different to the last, and on these pages we celebrate these amazing people and the difference they are making in people’s lives.
Our first nominee, BRIAN
RAW, from the village of Danby, arranges the annual bowls club break.
Captain of Sleights Bowling Club ladies team, Lucy White, said: “There is a lady who only goes on that holiday because she knows that Brian will help her.”
Brian was followed by
GEMMA KELLERMAN, nominated by the headmaster of Sleights Primary School for being an exceptional Chair of Governors. Gemma demonstrated her determined spirit when she said: “I want us to feel part of the village the school stands in and to do that, I’ll do whatever needs doing.”
KEITH TAYLOR, a Macmillan
Health Champion at Scarborough Hospital, spends his days talking to people who have just been diagnosed with cancer. He said it can make a real difference: “If I can find someone who comes in, has a cup of tea and leaves with a smile that’s all the reward I need.”
PHIL HARRISON was nominated by Mike Anderson at Filey’s Ebor Academy for encouraging young people to read. Mr Anderson said: “This experience is invaluable for the students: building confidence, developing comprehension skills and most of all helping to pass on a love of reading and a lifetime of knowledge and experiences.”
LES SHANNON willingly gives his time to Scarborough’s Maritime Heritage Centre.
Volunteer coordinator Lindy Rowley said: “Les is a nice, friendly man who is easily approachable and will do anything we ask of him. He will always step in at short notice, which is one of the reasons he’s such a great volunteer.”
DAVID BRIDGE was nominated by Chris and Peter Knapp for being an exceptional neighbour in the village of Danby. Peter said: “You’ve only got to hint that something needs fixing and David says ‘I’ll take it up to my workshop and have a look at it’; the next day, or even sooner, he’s back and he’ll say ‘I’ve taken out the filter and it’s working again now.’” Scarborough’s HARRY
BROWN decided to run laps of the school playground to raise money in memory of his grandfather.
Harry’s proud mother, Hayley, said: “Unbeknown to me Harry announced at Newby & Scalby Primary School that he was running 30 miles in February to raise money for Cancer Research. He said he didn’t want anyone else to go through the pain that he’s been through.”
TRISH KINSELLA is the one-woman dynamo who drives the work of Scarborough’s Rainbow Centre.
The Vicar of St Mary’s, Rev Richard Walker, said: “Trish is the most dedicated person I’ve ever come across. The care she shows towards people who have just found themselves in the worst places is amazing.”
LISA O’BOYLE has been organising litter collections on the beaches of Filey.
Elaine Jaques, Filey resident and beach clean participant, said: “Lisa is passionate about the beach cleans and the benefits they bring to the environment and to all of us.”
OWEN WILLIS has been coaching at Scarborough Ladies FC ever since his daughters joined the club.
Carol Firth, safeguarding officer for the club, said: “Owen’s an all round amazing bloke, he’s been club treasurer for around 10 years – he’s the absolute Salt of the Earth.”
DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
has been making visors to help protect the key workers of Filey from coronavirus.
Dr Mike Shepherd of Filey Surgery said: “They’re extremely useful, there is a global shortage of all sorts of PPE. He’s also giving them out to the care home which is very good. He’s doing a sterling job.”
DEREK BRATTON has been delivering shopping to those who are self isolating and helping with a number of other projects including Scarborough Hospital Garden.
Staff Nurse Shan Uns worth said: “He’s an absolute legend with a pure heart of gold – 24 carat. He’s placing plants, he’s cooking you a flan, he just doesn’t stop”
LIZZIE ELWICK has been making cakes to thank the key workers of Whitby. She said she likes to see people smile when she gives them a cake: “If I can put a smile on their face by making one cake, then I’ll make a dozen!”
During lockdown we’ve been stunned by the number of selfless acts by people who have gone out of their way to help others, many of whom have declined nominations for Salt of the Earth.
We have been lucky that those featured have said yes, allowing us to highlight the true Yorkshire grit and determination which has helped us all through some dark days. If you know someone who is making a difference in someone else’s life, we’d love to hear about them. Email louise.perrin@jpimedia.co.uk to tell us more