It Feels Like It Was Just Yesterday

Ward sister Kelly Harwood, stationed at Boston Pilgrim Hospital in Lincolnshire, recalls the early days of the pandemic with visceral clarity. The fear and uncertainty loomed large as she and her colleagues confronted COVID-19 patients without the protection of a vaccine. “We had a lot of frightened staff, and we all had our families to think about,” she reflected.

Having previous experience in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, Kelly felt somewhat equipped to handle the overwhelming influx of patients. Yet, the trauma she witnessed and the memories of individual patients who lost their lives lingered. Among the most heart-wrenching losses was 44-year-old staff nurse Anujkumar Kuttikkottu Pavithran, who tragically succumbed to the virus. “The hardest part was knowing I might take the virus home to my parents,” she said, noting that she didn’t see them for a year and a half.

Despite the relentless challenges, Kelly feels proud of her contributions. “I look back and feel privileged to have served my community during such a critical time. It’s a legacy I can leave for my children.”

Did That Really Happen?

Jill Packwood, the manager of Cloverleaf care home in Lincoln, echoes the disbelief many felt when lockdown was declared. The sudden halt of everyday life rippled through her care home, leaving staff anxious and residents isolated. “Nobody expected it to become reality, and when it did, it was terrifying,” she reflected. The absence of visitors was especially heart-wrenching, and Jill witnessed firsthand the toll on both her colleagues and the seniors in her care.

Despite having adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), Jill knew it couldn’t shield her completely. Moreover, the worry she felt from her loved ones about her health added to the stress. Yet, her “duty of care” compelled her to continue working. “I could see my loved ones, but the residents couldn't. That risk was one I was willing to take.”

The Grocery Frontlines: "You Don't Know What’s Around the Corner"

Carly-Ann Turner worked diligently at the Lincolnshire Co-op during the peak of the pandemic. She vividly remembers the panic-buying that left shelves bare and caused anxiety among shoppers. “Tensions were high, and people were frustrated,” she observed, recalling moments when irate customers took their frustrations out on staff.

For Carly-Ann, the greatest struggle lay in maintaining distance from the elderly patrons she had grown accustomed to assisting. “Not being able to interact was difficult. Sometimes we were the only person they saw all day,” she lamented, emphasizing the emotional strain of communicating behind masks and plastic shields.

Looking back, Carly-Ann acknowledges the experience was incredibly challenging but also transformative. “Being a key worker was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I learned to cherish every day and appreciate my loved ones.”

The pandemic may have faded from daily conversations, but the stories of these key workers offer a potent reminder of the resilience of human spirit and the pivotal role they played during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. As we move forward, their bravery and dedication continue to inspire us to treasure the simple joys of life and to support one another through trials.