Award for Wisbech man who has shown 'resilience'

A Wisbech man who has been furloughed twice and helped distribute food parcels to the vulnerable during lockdown has been recognised with a special award.

Stuart Walsh was given the 'Resilience Award' by The Foyer, the supported living complex where he is a resident.

He was presented with the award via an online ceremony by Wisbech's deputy mayor Councillor Andrew Lynn.

The move came after Neil Halliday, from The Foyer, approached the town council and asked if it would be willing to help with the presentation, to make extra special for Stuart.

Neil said: “We are a supported housing project in Wisbech and are launching a 'Resilience Award' that will be issued to residents who display that quality.

"This award was inspired by the actions of one of our residents, Stuart Walsh.

"To summarise, in the first lockdown Stuart was furloughed. In that time, he volunteered for a local organisation that was distributing food parcels to the needy.

"He went back to work after lockdown but was then furloughed again following the November lockdown.

"In this period he signed himself up for a retail course. He then went back to work.

"On his second week back we had a snow storm. He biked to work in that snow storm and, in telling staff about it when he returned, was able to laugh at the absurdity of biking in that storm.

"Many of his peers would have just given up. He has achieved a lot in a difficult year and made the most of his ability and time.

"To recognise his behaviour, we have decided to give Stuart the first award. We think he would appreciate it if he received that award from a dignitary and believe that that would also send a positive message to other residents.”

Presenting the award Coun Lynn said: "I am very honoured to be able to present Stuart with this first 'Resilience Award' for the truly outstanding resilience displayed, despite being furloughed twice, by volunteering for food parcel distribution to the needy, undertaking a retail course and managing to keep his seat on a snowy bike-ride to work. We are all very proud of you!"

Matt Richardson, manager of The Foyer, handed Stuart the award, which will now be presented to other residents who display the "same qualities" he has shown.