Welcome to what will be a regular Feelgood Friday update from us at Richard James.
For every episode of selfish panic buying around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden there are a dozen more examples of selfless behaviour, random acts of kindness and generous community spirit.
We’re in the strangest and most surreal period of modern history.
But it’s in these darkest of times many people can, and do, shine their brightest lights.
Here are four reasons to be cheerful and optimistic around Northamptonshire, the UK and indeed the World, which will pull us through this testing period.
Clap for Carers
It was amazing and moving last night at 8 pm to see and hear people across the UK come out of their front doors and applaud the heroes of the NHS.
The Volunteer Army
On Tuesday, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, initially issued a request for 250,000 people to give their time to help the 1.5 million vulnerable people who have to self-isolate for 12 weeks. More than 500,000 people signed up for this volunteer army in just 24 hours. And that number is growing fast.
Rainbow Nation
Hundreds of home-schooled kids across Northamptonshire have been spreading a little cheer this week by drawing and colouring in rainbows. These rainbows have been put in the windows of homes across the community to give a little lift to passers-by.
Our Community Cares
We have heard of lots of lovely stories of kindness, compassion and generosity. It makes us proud to serve this community, and as a local business, we are doing all we can to do our bit.
Please send or share with us your examples of local heroes. It could be a video of your street applauding the NHS, your children’s rainbows or something positive done locally that you’ve heard about.
Please, please remember folks that wherever possible we need to: Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.
Thanks, and stay safe.