Everyone knows a hero of the pandemic.
Whether it meant delivering groceries to elderly neighbours, running food banks to help those in need, or working tirelessly in hospital wards, many people stepped up to help others when they needed it most. Yet despite their incredible efforts, most of these individuals went unappreciated by people outside of their immediate family.
Last spring, we decided that these everyday heroes should be applauded. After receiving over 300 nominations for our Unsung Heroes initiative, we’re proud to announce the publication of our book about these outstanding helpers.
On June 1, we launched a new book, "Unsung Heroes," which showcases the inspiring stories of 25 individuals who made a real difference during the pandemic. We wanted to commemorate their acts of selflessness during such a difficult period and shed light on those who gave up their time and resources to help others.
A Sneak Peek at 3 of Our Inspiring Stories
1. The Selfless Veteran Who Delivered Medicine
A 22-year veteran with the Royal Engineers, Paul Wilkie suffers from severe PTSD and has formed an incredible bond with his service dog, Irma, who helps him cope with his condition. Despite his symptoms, Paul and Irma picked up vital medication for elderly or unwell people in his local community and delivered the prescriptions on a daily basis to help those who are unable to leave their homes during the pandemic.
2. The Team GB Canoeist Who Became an NHS Support Worker
Chloe Bracewell was all set to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games as a canoeist for Team GB. But when the games were postponed, Chloe signed up to become an NHS support worker instead.
Chloe and her mother Jackie also provided support to a local mother and her autistic daughter, who lost her father during the pandemic. The pair provided daily meals, shopping and reassurance, all whilst caring for their own families.
3. The London Bus Driver Who Kept Everyone Moving
London bus driver Moe Manir set up Facebook and WhatsApp chat groups of over 20,000 TfL workers to help other drivers communicate safety problems, report passenger needs and pass information on workers' rights. He was also responsible for suggesting a number of the hygiene and safety protocols such as cab screens and closing off the front door of the bus, which are still in use today.
How to Get Your Copy of "Unsung Heroes"
Our book officially launched on June 1, and you can order your copy on Amazon. When you purchase your copy, we’ll donate a portion of the profits to two great charities: Maggie’s, a UK organisation that provides free cancer support, and Unity Unlimited, a US non-profit dedicated to providing educational activities and resources that foster unity and harmony within local communities.
The past year has been hard on everyone. As the pandemic turned life as we knew it on its head and put a temporary pause on our everyday lives, we felt isolation and loss on a scale larger than we could have ever anticipated. However, times of adversity also make us stronger, which was made clear by the special people who pulled together to help others through these difficult circumstances. From simple acts of kindness to saving lives — and everything in between! — our unsung heroes showed that a bit of compassion can change the world.
Is there an unsung hero in your life whose story deserves to be told? Contact StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about working with our professional writers to capture your loved ones’ incredible deeds.
