Opinion: Honouring our local heroes

Likewise, we have new, state-of-the-art infrastructure. Just look at the Werrington rail underpass.

Alongside better railways, there’s also new water infrastructure that will prevent flooding and protect the environment. Further changes in the city centre are already underway.

For all that, the best things happening in Peterborough are still down to local people. Since becoming the member of Parliament for Peterborough, I have met some truly amazing men and women.

These local heroes don’t always get the recognition they deserve for doing amazing work. That’s why I started my Peterborough Heroes scheme. This week, I invited all of them to the Houses of Parliament for a special reception. We were joined by Thérèse Coffey, the Deputy Prime Minister and Heath Secretary. She was full of praise for those in the room and helped to hand out some certificates, including to our NHS workers.

Alongside her was Michelle Donellan, the DCMS Secretary. She added her thanks and let me off the hook for talking so much about Peterborough whenever I see her!

I was so pleased that two senior members of the Cabinet were able to celebrate our city’s finest. I hope every Peterborough Hero felt the event honoured their dedication to our community.

Each is a special person. Some work in schools, nurseries and hospitals, some work for charities and others have dedicated their lives to service within our community. All have gone above and beyond to improve lives in Peterborough.

They are people like Sandy Foster, who helps run the Royal British Legion Peterborough Poppy Appeal. With her team of volunteers and her veteran husband, Malcolm, she raises around £100,000 every year. Sandy has done this for decades, never asking for anything in return.

Dan Harris is a local campaigner on autism and neurodiversity. Inspired by his son, his work for Medeshamstede Academy is truly inspiring. Dan’s charity, Neurodiversity in Business, was launched with the support of over 100 organisations.

The Light Project Peterborough has delivered many local successes, like the Peterborough Winter Night Shelter and The Garden House, a day centre for the homeless. Its CEO, Steven Pettican, is a kind, caring man doing wonderful things to support city residents.

We also have sporting heroes. The once tiny Peterborough Sports FC were promoted to the National League North last season. First team manager Jimmy Dean, chairman Grant Briddle, the players and all the staff have done our city proud.

Fifty heroes were invited to Westminster. It was a wonderful day and I wish I had space to write about all of them.

They make me proud of Peterborough. It was my privilege to host them and I look forward to thanking more of our city’s heroes in future. There are definitely more out there.

If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, please let me know at [email protected].