TODAY marks one year since England entered its first nationwide coronavirus lockdown, changing the lives of people across Redditch and the rest of the country.
The last year has been filled with heartbreak for many families, either caused by loss or the many challenges brought about by the pandemic, but there have also been many positive moments when community spirit has shone through, neighbours came together to help others in need, and people went above and beyond to make each other smile.
Here is a round-up of some of the most heartwarming stories to come out of the Covid pandemic in Redditch...
Young Redditch artist paints uplifting messages
Redditch teenager Charlie Manning felt inspired to paint hopeful messages on signs to lift people's spirits last April.
He displayed the signs on the junction of B4092 and Morton Hall Lane for people to see.
The creative youngster painted a piece dedicated to the NHS and key workers, as well as one with a message asking people to stay home to save lives.
Charlie said: "I just felt that people needed a lift because everyone is a bit on edge at the moment.
"You can see the worry in some people's faces. I thought it was important to put something out there to say you are not alone."
Postie wearing fancy dress cheers up residents
Royal Mail postie Dave has captured the hearts of Redditch residents after donning costumes designed to put smiles on faces.
Social media users shared their appreciation for the postman who has dressed up as a parrot, ghost, seahorse, post box and even a whoopee cushion, whilst delivering letters and parcels.
One Facebook user said "full marks for making us all happy," whilst another said "thank you for cheering everyone up."
Another user said: "It's so good to see you making all your customers smile."
Redditch dinosaur completes marathon for NHS charities
A man from Redditch completed a run to raise funds for the NHS Charities Together whilst donning a dinosaur outfit.
Darren Roland, also known as 'Darrensaurus Rex,' took part in a phased marathon over the course of four days and raised around £2,000.
The challenge was completed at Arrow Valley Lake in Redditch, where people out and about cheered Darren on.
He said: "The amount of people clapping and cheering you on gets you through it. It was a great thing to do."
Young brothers from Feckenham complete marathon for NHS
Two brothers from Feckenham ran a marathon on their own drive to raise funds for the NHS.
Talented runners Oscar and Harry Bradley both completed a marathon over two days on April 29 and 30 and have raised around £2,000 for NHS Charities Together.
The run, which was on the grounds of their home on Droitwich Road, involved around 100 return laps of the drive, which is exactly 25 miles.
Redditch man prints face shields for front line workers
A selfless Redditch IT manager and others printed face shields and shipped them to front line care workers during the lockdown.
Stuart Barnwell, with the help of partner Kevin Tonry, set up multiple 3D printers to produce protective face shields and have made around 1,500 for those who need them the most.
They sent the protective equipment, free of charge, to GPs, care home workers, pharmacies and hospitals in Redditch Worcester, Warwick and Hereford.
Firm donates masks and gloves to Redditch hospital
A house building company with a base in Studley donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline staff at the Alexandra Hospital.
Persimmon Homes South Midlands stepped in to help the NHS by donating much-needed face masks and gloves.
Staff at Persimmon’s local office in Studley gathered all of their spare PPE normally used on building sites and handed it over to be utilised by doctors and nurses on the frontline as the battle against Covid-19 intensifies.
Redditch boy's flower badges raise hundreds for NHS
A kind-hearted boy from Redditch sold flower badges to raise money to support frontline NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thomas Bennett designed the pretty pink badges and has been making them with the help of his younger sister Lilly-Mae Nash and mum Sophie Williams.
They raised over £800 for NHS Charities Together.
Painting donated to 'brave heroes' at Alexandra Hospital
AN inspiring painting was presented to the "brave heroes" working on the front line at Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
The artwork features a nurse with a tattoo reading "stay strong Redditch" in the centre of famous comic book heroes Captain America, Wonder Woman, Thor and The Incredible Hulk.
It was commissioned by Gavin Townsend from Gymbeing UK who said he wanted to donate the piece because of friends at the hospital working to "keep us fit and healthy and safe."
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