Andy Richardson: 'Ordinary people have been the heroes of Covid-19'
Just for a day, let’s put to one side the daily pantomime that is Downing Street.
Yes, yes, yes, we know BoJo is a friend of Dame Barbara Windsor, but it’s important that he doesn’t turn the most important office of state into an episode of Eastenders. Like Mario Balotelli during his brief spell at Liverpool, BoJo too often becomes the story, rather than being the man who shapes it.
And while we’re getting over his initial complacency, we haven’t forgiven the life-costing flirtation with herd immunity, we’re still astonished that he was shaking hands on a Covid ward, we’re pleased – genuinely – that he survived and happy too for Carrie and Baby BoJo. But can we please, please, please focus on decreasing the mounting deaths in our care homes, where a cull of the nation’s elderly and most vulnerable is taking place.
So for one day, we’ll put to one side the Government’s woeful handling of Covid-19, a record that suggests we’re Europe’s worst placed nation – yeah, Britain finally won something – and focus on THE good news story of the past two months: Colonel Tom Moore.
The inspirational role model has earned a place in history and proved to us all what is possible. To the businesses wondering what to do, he’s provided a message to roll up their sleeves, plan ahead, stay positive and be creative. To the people struggling with the enormity of Covid-19, he’s shown that resilience is all in the face of an enemy. His cheery mantra – tomorrow will be a good day – may just be true. To the frontline staff battling against Britain’s biggest challenge since the Second World War, he’s shown that members of the general public stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those on the frontline.
Courageous and humble, gracious and positive; the centenarian represents the best of our nation. He has also achieved what the magnificently dreadful Black Lace and the thrillingly awful Orville and Keith Harris could not by taking a poorly sung song to the top of the British chart. Colonel Tom, we salute you. May you have many, many more happy birthdays. You are the best of us.
The ordinary people of our region and our nation have been the heroes of Covid-19; those who empty the bins, clap from the doorstep, observe a minute’s silence, donate to charity and help their friends and neighbours. Colonel Tom represents them all.
