Cumbernauld and Kilsyth's lockdown heroes: the businesses and individuals who have gone the extra mile

The last 10 months have been tough for everyone, but a few shining lights have gone above and beyond to help make their local communities a better place.
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We asked you to tell us about the people and businesses who have gone the extra mile to help keep you safe – and sane – during the pandemic.

Florist Karen Carlisle was Sophie Cameron’s pick: “Karen is an incredible woman and has been throughout the first lockdown. My grandpa passed away on March 23 last year (the first day of the national lockdown) and I couldn’t get flowers anywhere. This incredible lady helped us and many others like us by making coffin-top artificial flowers and wreaths to use and borrow. We are forever in her debt. Thank you again Karen.”

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Niki Maybury’s lockdown hero was closer to home – her daughter Lauren Maybury: “My lockdown legend is my beautiful daughter: She’s my NHS hero as she started working in a hospital just before lockdown last year. She worked in a Covid ward and contracted Covid herself. She self isolated and went straight back into the hospital working tirelessly and to this day she still does. I love my wee hero!”

Bakers have been among the lockdown heroes thanked by readers.Bakers have been among the lockdown heroes thanked by readers.
Bakers have been among the lockdown heroes thanked by readers.

Elaine Mcgarvie’s daughter Claire is another heroic NHS worker: “My daughter Claire was just a newly qualified nurse when Covid hit and she had to hit the ground running becoming a Covid nurse right from the start. Things were so bad and the risk so high because Claire has asthma and became ill herself with what they suspected was Covid. As soon as it was safe she was right back into her ward but as I was her child care and was shielding our only option was to have her two little girls move in with me for 12 weeks. They could only have visits where their mum and dad would visit our window every day. It was a difficult time for everyone but especially for Claire who went home to an empty house every night after her 12 hour shifts. I’m so proud of my daughter and I know she and her colleagues have cried for the lives they lost to this devistating virus.”

Paul’s Quality Butchers, in Cumbernauld, was Aileen Smith’s pick, while Ashley Louise Elizabeth Crainie praised a Kilsyth bakery: “Rennie’s Bakery in Kilsyth are true heroes. They worked all the way through, delivering their own products and even going to shops if anyone needed anything. Absolute angels.”

Fiona Donaldson also wanted to thank Lynn Rennie at Rennie’s Bakery: “Lynn Rennie and the team have gone above and beyond for the people of Kilsyth.”

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Pauline Bradley Cadden singled out another bakery, Claire’s Cakes and Bakes, as a business that has made a difference during lockdown: “She has delivered cup cake bouquets free of charge to not only me but to both my neighbours who have all had baby boys during lockdown. She has made birthday cakes for my family and a flower bouquet for my mum who has been undergoing treatment this lockdown. Everyone’s spirits have been lifted with Claire Cooley’s amazing baking talents. Thank you so much.”

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