TWO inspirational volunteers are being recognised after they stepped up during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Helen Hopkins and Paul Nolan have been helping to sort, manage and distribute food donations at Braintree Area Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust’s network, since the country went into lockdown in March 2020.

Now the charity is recognising the pair for their contributions.

Helen, 53, has been volunteering as the distribution centre manager where she looks after a team of around 20 people.

Helen said: “There are so many people across Braintree who are struggling to feed themselves.

“When I was a child, money was sometimes tight and to have had the food bank service we have today would have made a big difference.

“Food is a basic requirement in life and it’s truly heart-breaking to hear some of the stories from people who come in to use the food bank.

“It is a privilege to be a part of a foodbank family of very dedicated volunteers, without them the centre could not function.”

Between April 2020 and March this year, the Braintree Area Foodbank, which has centres in Halstead, Braintree and Witham, distributed 5,842 emergency food parcels across the district.

Paul, 64, has been volunteering as a transport manager with a team of drivers who deliver food and collect donations.

He said: “The last year has been incredibly busy and we’ve been driving all over the place in our van.

“During this process, we have been bowled over by the generosity of local people who have provided donations.”

Helen and Paul, along with the foodbank’s other centre managers, Stella and Mike Thompson, Maggie Ouwehand, Martin Potter, Barry Everett, Ros Stafford and their deputies, are being celebrated by the Trussell Trust for their outstanding contribution to the cause over the past 12 months.

Head of volunteer management Miranda Beebe said: “We are incredibly grateful to the amazing army of volunteers who have kept the foodbank running in very challenging circumstances.

“It’s thanks to people like Helen and Paul that food banks across the network have been able to provide the lifeline of emergency food and additional support to thousands of people in crisis.”