“Up and down the country, here in the west midlands, and especially in Lichfield and Burntwood, people are working together to help defeat Covid-19 in a constructive spirit of community” says Michael Fabricant. “And I have today suggested to the Prime Minister that when this fight is over, we recognise the wonderful work that has been done.

“So, for example, working from her house in Lichfield,  Elaine Hutchings has produced over 2000 food packages and a daily service for prescriptions deliveries to those who need it most. Working voluntarily from 5am until 11.30pm, she has distributed food boxes for the most vulnerable and to keyworkers.

“And Jayne Shardlow has formed a group of twenty sewers called the ‘Lichfield Community Scrubbers’ working with a national group ‘For The Love Of Scrubs’ (FTLOS) to produce and distribute nearly 300 sets of medical scrubs for use by the NHS. They work with other FTLOS groups and help them out whenever they can.  This has resulted in sets of scrubs made in Lichfield going to a doctors’ surgery in South Wales, and a dementia care unit in Dover, amongst other places up and down the land.”

Michael Fabricant adds “They do this not for glory, but from a deep sense of community spirit.

“But when this is all over, just like in wartime, acts of selfless giving such as these should be recognised by the State.  Either with special Queen’s Awards or some other honours.  It is the very least we can do – though in the meantime, I give them my deepest thanks.”