Following dozens of local nominations for the Covid Community Champions Awards run by Hexham MP Guy Opperman, the first winners have now been presented with their certificates. Guy took the opportunity of a visit to the Tyne Valley from Conservative Party Chair, Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP, to present the award to Deborah Blackburn in Prudhoe. Deborah was nominated by her daughter Joanna for the incredible way her Mum, a retired NHS worker, had signed up to cover shifts through the NHS bank throughout the first lockdown. Deborah is now volunteering with the vaccination programme, as well as cooking at the Miners Lamp Café and Community Hub.
Presenting the award during a visit to Prudhoe with local MP Guy Opperman, Amanda Milling MP said:
‘It was great to meet Deborah, and hear of the great work she has done for her local community in Prudhoe.’
Guy Opperman MP said:
‘Deborah is a true community champion. It was great to meet her and to celebrate Deborah’s willingness to come out of retirement to work in the NHS and now to be volunteering with the local vaccination programme. It is this kind of selfless action that will help us all to get through the Covid pandemic and to look forward to better days ahead.’
Over the course of the next few weeks Guy will be continuing to visit communities across the constituency to present awards and to celebrate the special contribution people have made to their community through the COVID-19 pandemic.
ENDS
Please note that the visit of Amanda Milling MP and the presentation of the Community Champion Award happened prior to the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. This press release has been delayed until the period of national mourning finished and the funeral of Prince Philip had taken place.
PHOTO: (From left to right) Gordon Stewart, Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP, Deborah Blackburn, Tracey Gilmore, Guy Opperman MP