![\"Alison](\"https:\/\/website.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/20200921_170618-e1601551999757.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSouth Essex train operator c2c has recognised the efforts its community has made during the coronavirus crisis with a Local Heroes awards scheme.<\/p>\n
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Managing Director Ben Ackroyd said: \u201cWe really wanted to honour our local c2c community who have gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic. We received many stories of local people coming together and helping others within the East London and South Essex community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s truly heartening to see the wonderful sense of community displayed along our route and I am sure we all feel a sense of pride in all how people have come together to help those who were and still are in need of help during the current crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
c2c asked its commuters during the summer to nominate the people who had gone the extra mile to help their neighbours and the local community. Five winners were picked from the inspiring nominations and were presented with a c2c Local Heroes trophy.<\/p>\n
Here are their stories:<\/p>\n
![\"Bch](\"https:\/\/www.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/BCH-group-e1601551551607-300x225.png\")
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Natalie Walker nominated Mark for his instrumental role in setting up Benfleet Community Helpers, which saw him turn his shop into a warehouse and distribution hub. The group reacted quickly to ensure nobody in the local area went without essential food, toiletries or medication and they even have a \u201ccorona phone\u201d for people to call for whatever they need help with. Natalie said: \u201cMark has a solid team of volunteers working with him. The group is incredible and deserves this award!\u201d<\/p>\n
When Mark was told that he was one of c2c\u2019s Local Heroes, he said: \u201cBenfleet Community Helpers was set up to help the elderly and vulnerable and our intention was to essentially provide food care packs for these people, build community spirit and put smiles on people\u2019s faces. I can certainly say we have achieved all of that, which makes each and every one of us very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Westcliff](\"https:\/\/website.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/westcliff-rugby-lion-cubs-e1601551399154.jpg\")
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Adam, who coaches the Westcliff Rugby Lion Cubs, was nominated by Tim Hobden who told us that Adam had hosted a weekly Facebook Live coaching session for up to 20 families in place of the club\u2019s Saturday morning training. Tim said \u201cThe ability to keep that enthusiasm going, come up with new ideas and encourage youngsters – aged anything from two to five years old – to get some exercise and have fun is remarkable. It’s kept my twins busy on a Saturday and, while it seems like a small thing, is a familiar face that they look forward to seeing.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Getthekidsout\"](\"https:\/\/website.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/getthekidsout-e1601551786743.jpg\")
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Alexandra was nominated by Alrita Hyre who told us that despite having four children, Alexandra still finds time to go out and deliver food to the vulnerable. She also runs a Facebook page called \u201cGet the Kids Out\u201d, which is a charity that helps out low-income families who couldn\u2019t otherwise afford trips out with their children. Alrita said: \u201cShe\u2019s unstoppable! She\u2019s so generous and thoughtful and goes out of her way to help those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n
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![\"picture](\"https:\/\/website.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Screenshot_20200825-180036_Gallery-e1601551763568-192x300.jpg\")
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Tracey Robson told us about Sky\u2019s hard work feeding the homeless in Basildon throughout the crisis. She and her husband Ralph prepare hot food day and night and deliver it to the homeless in the local area. Tracey said: \u201cSky is an outstanding individual who really deserves some recognition for the selfless hard work that she does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sky was delighted with her award, saying: \u201cMyself and my husband have been feeding the homeless every day during the crisis. It\u2019s been very tiring but they need us more than ever now. We give out hot ready meals, drinks, clothes, shoes and toiletries. We\u2019ve also been doing food parcels for the needy who\u2019ve struggled over the last few months.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Elwood\"](\"https:\/\/website.c2c-online.co.uk\/app\/uploads\/2020\/10\/FB_IMG_1597650029334-e1601551857150.jpg\")
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Martin Hayhurst nominated Alison & Elwood (a stuffed bear), for managing to keep most of Thundersley entertained for 100 consecutive days of lockdown with exploits in the Thundersley Facebook Group. Martin said: \u201cAlison and Elwood kept everyone in the village amused during the worst of lockdown, with a daily tableau on her garden wall involving Elwood and his various friends. The posts were extremely popular, making the page a place to visit every day for many people.\u201d<\/p>\n
This nomination was seconded by another user, who said: \u201cI used to live in Thundersley but now live many miles away, and through the power of Facebook was able to enjoy Elwood’s adventures too. Through them I felt part of a community which I left many years ago.”<\/p>\n
When she was told that she\u2019d been chosen as a Local Hero, Alison said: \u201c[Elwood\u2019s antics] seemed to bring a lot of joy to people and it was wonderful to be part of the outpouring of kindness in the community. Elwood can still be seen on the wall on occasion because kindness shouldn’t ever cease.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
South Essex train operator c2c has recognised the efforts its community has made during the coronavirus crisis with a Local Heroes awards scheme. Managing Director Ben Ackroyd said: \u201cWe really wanted to honour our local c2c community who have gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic. We received many stories of local people coming […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n