Just in time for #ClapForCarers, here is the next instalment of our local heroes helping to get the UK through coronavirus.

David Goodfellow, Benny Crane, James Hunter and Robert Williams

First up this week is a group of extraordinary people. The foursome founded The Kindness Offensive in 2008 in Hampstead, London. The group orchestrates random acts of kindness locally and on a huge-scale. The team regularly organises the donation of large quantities of goods to various projects in London, such as none-perishables to soup kitchens and Christmas toys to vulnerable children. Volunteers also offer free language classes, free gifts for the public and day trips for the elderly. And there are tonnes of other random acts of kindness. It’s no surprise that this brilliant organisation has stepped up in a time of crisis, organising the distribution of hundreds of tonnes of toiletries and other helpful items. All donations have come from companies who are unable to operate in the current circumstances. They have been gratefully received by nursing homes and residents in-need throughout Hackney.

Tito Arana

West Yorkshire resident Tito has been recognised as an unsung hero of Keighley and Ilkley for going above and beyond when it comes to supporting his community through the health crisis. Arana has organised online quizzes, bingo and race nights to keep locals in good spirits as many are self-isolating. He has also arranged art and photography competitions and set up Cross Roads Got Talent to keep everyone entertained. It’s no surprise his fellow villagers speak so highly of him!

Nurse Pam Robertshaw and Bella Philips

Hackney nurse Pam and her friend have been putting together essential care packages filled with toiletries to deliver to Covid-19 patients. The girls noticed that those in hospital with the virus were unable to get the comforts that their families would usually deliver as these relatives are not permitted to visit. To make patients more comfortable the pair have delivered hundreds of their care packages to hospitals around London. After reaching their first fundraising target of £1,500 to help fund the initiative, the women are now aiming to raise a further £5,000 to enable them to continue with their project.

Jack Neil and Chris O’Neill

Founders of the website Be a Local Hero, Jack and Chris want to help  save their favourite local shops and restaurants. Be a Local Hero enables people to buy vouchers for their favourite places which can be redeemed once they reopen. This provides valuable funding to independent businesses during the lockdown. Originating in Cambridge, the project has since expanded to include locations around the country. Hairdressers, coffee shops and gyms are among those listed. Keep an eye on their website to see which services you can support in your local area.

Pepa Bembridge

Seven-year-old Pepa was inspired by the incredible story of Captain Tom who raised over £30 million for the NHS by his 100th birthday. Being much younger than Tom, this little girl decided to up the ante. She pledged to cycle 100 miles over 10 days in aid of Action for Children. After completing the impressive task, Pepa had raised £1,795, more than three times her £500 target, which will help disadvantaged children, young people and their families.

Ray Howe

A pensioner from Leslie in Scotland has been working hard to provide for members of his community. Ray and his wife Christine have been cooking up a storm. They deliver homemade soup to 20 homes in their area twice a week, helping those who are self-isolating. The couple have produced more than 700 bowls of soup! They are refusing funding from other residents and instead requesting that recipients donate to the British Heart Foundation. The idea came after Ray hosted a charity Soup-a-thon at his local pub earlier this year.

Another brilliant selection of extraordinary people who are going above and beyond to get us all through this difficult period.

Let us know which local heroes you are celebrating this week!

Some of those we’ve featured have joined the 2.6 Challenge. You could too!