During my first week as a volunteer, I found the whole process quite overwhelming and emotional

Karen Kelly shares recollections of her involvement with Nantwich Buddies.

I began volunteering on behalf of Nantwich Buddies back in early January and felt honoured to be a part of the vaccination programme.

It was extremely cold with temperatures falling to -5 degrees and, as we were working with the over 85s at that time, we were very aware of the freezing conditions and how it would affect them.

Some citizens hadn’t been out of the house in such a long time due to the pandemic but were in really great spirits considering and were so grateful for our help. Helping with car park duties, temperature taking and cleaning of chairs were all a part of our duties which we all found extremely rewarding, giving back to the community, and chatting to senior citizens who hadn’t seen anyone for an exceptionally long time.

During my first week as a volunteer, I found the whole process quite overwhelming and emotional that, finally, after the devastation caused by the pandemic, we could see a light at the end of the tunnel. It was an immensely proud moment to be a part of the team representing and supporting the NHS through this huge vaccination rollout.

Our Buddies sad to be completed their last shift at the vaccination clinic