All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of the coronavirus and I know that many people are worried and anxious. We hear, day by day, of more cases and deaths and our thoughts are with all the families and friends of those who have died.
It is so important now that we all follow the Government advice by staying at home, protecting our NHS and saving lives.
I want to dedicate my column this week to everyone in Staffordshire Moorlands who is working on the front line. Thank you again and again to all of you – our fantastic NHS staff, the doctors, nurses, carers and support staff, all our emergency services – the police, fire and rescue and ambulance services, our teachers, the prison officers, our hard-working postmen and women and everyone working in the food industry from our food producers to the fantastic cashiers in our supermarkets and the delivery drivers making sure that things arrive on our doorsteps.
Thank you to the community groups, charities and all the many volunteers who are all working to help others and our community. There are too many to mention but Support Staffordshire, the Haregate Community Centre in Leek, Parish and Town Councils, who are coordinating local hubs, our Councillors as well as local restaurants, shops and cafés who are providing food for the elderly and vulnerable.
I would also like to say thank you to the people of Staffordshire Moorlands – I have heard many stories of individuals making sure that elderly relatives and neighbours have food and medicine. We have that sense of community spirit here in Staffordshire Moorlands and I thank you all.
Please see www.karenbradley.co.uk for local and Government information and if you are elderly or vulnerable and in need of urgent help, please call 0300 111 8050.