Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough to public sector staff to “give respect and thanks” for the help and support provided to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Thursday 6 March, Councillors approved the decision to bestow the honour, the highest the council can give to an individual or corporate body.
It is rarely awarded and is normally only given to those who have made a significant contribution to the locality or have achieved something outstanding.
Respiratory Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Sarah Greenslade and Chemotherapy Nurse, Lesley-Ann Crooks from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust accepted the award on behalf of the public sector, alongside the Trust’s Chief Executive, Miles Scott, who said:
“The experience of the pandemic impacted everyone in society, and the support of local people provided ongoing inspiration and motivation during this time. This is a really special honour to be awarded Freedom of the Borough, and I am grateful to receive this on behalf of the hospital, our colleagues across the NHS and the wider public sector. We will proudly display the certificate in the reception area for our staff and visitors to appreciate.”
In Maidstone, 633 people lost their lives as a result of COVID-19, and the UK Government has set up the Covid Commemoration to remember and acknowledge those who were lost since the pandemic began, as well as paying tribute to frontline workers and those who showed extraordinary acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.
Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, commented on the honour, saying:
“Covid changed and affected our communities deeply, and during this time of deep anxiety, sadness and loss, it was the key workers who risked their lives to keep us all safe. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough is granted in recognition of this heroism, and I hope that the recipients of this award use it as an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices and take pride in the efforts they made during the lockdowns.”
MBC is leading a series of events to recognise the legacies of those who died during the pandemic in the week leading up to the Day of Reflection on Sunday 9 March, which marks the fifth anniversary of the lockdowns.