THE selfless efforts of a volunteer from Lymm throughout the coronavirus pandemic have been recognised by the Prime Minister.

Kirsty James was chosen by Boris Johnson as the recipient of his daily Points of Light award for her role in coordinating the village’s COVID-19 response.

The ‘Leave no one Behind in Lymm’ community group, which was set up during the pandemic, operates a meal scheme, organises essential shop, prescription and post deliveries and coordinates friendly phone calls for those isolating.

At the start of the outbreak in March, Kirsty took the decision to reposition the community and business centre she manages as a much needed logistical and admin hub for the Covid-response plan in the village.

Since then, she has since led the coordination of food deliveries to vulnerable people across the area, supported by a team of 40 volunteers.

In May, Kirsty devised plans to provide further support for the elderly, isolated and vulnerable, as well as benefitting local businesses and organisations, by establishing a meal scheme.

This comprises of family food boxes for the financially challenged and Sunday hot meals for the elderly and vulnerable.

As well as this, Kirsty is also the founder of multiple charitable projects which have continued to support local people through the pandemic.

She set up 'Think Family Matters' in 2016, which delivers family wellbeing events and activities via local schools on the themes of internet safety, health, finances and mental health.

In 2017, she also co-founded 'SoupOnTheGo Crowdfunding', a fundraising mechanism for community projects which has seen hundreds of pounds raised, and in 2019, she set up Lymm Sanctuary Hub and Business Centre.

Warrington Guardian: Kirsty James (right) outside Lymm Sanctuary HubKirsty James (right) outside Lymm Sanctuary Hub

The project offers business support and community projects including dementia support, affordable counselling, IT recycling, adult language classes, elderly IT enablement, and bereavement support.

In a personal letter to Kirsty, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "You are the beating heart of Lymm with all that you have done for so long, from your usual dementia and bereavement support, to the local recycling project and anti-bullying classes in schools.

"When the pandemic struck, along with your team of 40 volunteers, you ensured that everyone in the village had meals and prescriptions.

“Even in this difficult year, you have given out Christmas presents making sure that no one is left behind in Lymm."

After reading the letter, Kirsty said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. It recognises not just months, but years of hard work and sacrifice by so many people across a variety of projects.

“I feel privileged to accept it in acknowledgement of their commitment and contribution. It is also quite humbling to be featured alongside so many other amazing people and projects.

"Behind any volunteer project, there is always a strong team and supporters, and they too become local heroes for the love and support they offer.

“My voluntary work has only been possible because of the support of my own family, particularly my teacher husband and three kids who over and over have simply accepted that 'Mum has stuff to help folk with'.

“It is a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated and inspirational people and in delivering services to others.”

The Prime Minister’s daily Points of Light award was launched to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.

Kirsty is the 1,551st person to be recognised, and as the UK unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.