Views from our MP: 'Every day we are seeing amazing acts of kindness being carried out across the constituency and the wider country'

Neil O'Brien MP's weekly column

As I write this article, our Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care. My thoughts are with him and his partner Carrie and the little one they have on the way.

It serves as a reminder that coronavirus doesn’t discriminate – anyone can catch it and anyone can spread it. So please do continue to follow the guidance: stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Every day we are seeing amazing acts of kindness being carried out across the constituency and the wider country. People picking up food for older neighbours. People volunteering to help pick up prescriptions.

Local Market Harborough resident Aaron Shrive is literally around the clock and throughout the night to make protective masks on his 3D printer.

Efforts like Aaron’s really show that we’re in this together – everyone can make a difference, whether that's through making essential equipment, or playing your part by staying home and limiting the virus spread

The acts of kindness and dedication don’t stop there. Our frontline NHS workers continue to treat and care for people to an exceptionally high standard. I’d like to thank everyone involved in these efforts; doctors, nurses, porters, pharmacists, administrative staff and everyone else involved – thank you.

The scale of the voluntary efforts across Harborough is really impressive.

Hundreds of constituents have signed up for the NHS volunteers’ scheme, and many others continue to help with shopping needs of neighbours, friends and people within Facebook mutual aid groups.

If you’d like to volunteer or join the local Facebook COVID-19 group for your area, please visit my website where I’ve included a list of them: www.neilobrien.org.uk/coronavirus

Please all continue to follow the guidance carefully and avoid unnecessary outings that risk your own health, and the health of those around you.

I know it isn’t easy, but it is necessary if we want to limit the spread. As we heard from The Queen in her wonderful address to the nation, we will succeed in overcoming this, and better days will return.