Five ‘Unsung Heroes’ are being celebrated for their acts of kindness during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is part of an initiative by Watford Borough Council to celebrate the positive contributions made by people and organisations in the town since March last year.

In January, three local residents were presented certificates and hampers for their outstanding services to the Watford community.

This included Georgina Cooper, who raised £2,500 for PPE for local care homes, Catherine Agnihotri who coordinated a volunteer support network in the Park ward and local taxi driver Bob Haggerty, who helped elderly and vulnerable people with errands.

New heroes who have been nominated by residents for their amazing acts of kindness during the pandemic were honoured by Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Chairman Cllr Aga Dychton this month. They include:

  • Jane and Isabella Docherty – Every week Jane and her young daughter Isabella travel house to house in Watford and three villages collecting food and delivering it to St Helens foodbank.Watford Observer:
  • Lidia Rufolo – Whilst also being a mother of three children, during the first lockdown Lidia was a part of the founding Watford Covid support group, opening up her home to be used as a food bank drop off point. She also ensured people had mental health support. During subsequent lockdowns, she also arranged well-being calls and donations and care packages for people who needed clothes, food and even toys for their children.Watford Observer:
  • Suren Vis – Owner of ‘Sweets For All’, a local pick ‘n’ mix shop, Suren made up sweet boxes to nurses at Watford General and Harefield hospitals, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and more.  He has also donated to schools including St. Catherine Of Siena School in Garston.Watford Observer:
  • Vicki Goodall - Coinciding with Vicki’s role as Nurture Leader at Laurance Haines School, she has been instrumental in delivering countless food and care packages to vulnerable families and children throughout lockdown and beyond. She also promotes staff wellbeing by organising morale-boosting care packages to be sent to teachers and support staff.Watford Observer:

Mr Taylor said: “We are very proud of all our award winners, it’s wonderful to celebrate the outstanding contributions of so many inspiring local residents of all ages. But it is no surprise, because I know just what a great community spirit we have in Watford.

"I have been bowled over by some of the stories I’ve heard of what people have been doing to support others during this very difficult year. The Unsung Hero Awards provide a great opportunity to say thank you to those who have helped others, no matter how big or small, during these particularly tough times.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been helping others and our award winners. You really make a difference and our town is so grateful for your kindness.”