Coronavirus heroes who do so much for Peterborough

Stevie Wiley and Richard Bastow became coronavirus heroes for Peterborough when they organised a Facebook group of that name.

Coronaheroes Peterborough ,a community group set up by Stevie and Richard, has helped thousands of Peterborough residents.

The 14,000 strong group has used social media as a way of bringing people together to help one another.

Through care packages delivered by bicycle to vulnerable members and Saturday night virtual discos and bingo to cheer everyone up, the group has been a ‘second family’ for members.

Fundraising for zoos, members with unexpected difficulties and care packages, the group’s generosity has been a reason of its success, despite some members struggling themselves.

Creator Stevie even took part in a sponsored fast with Richard during Ramadan to raise money for Children of Adam charity which helps orphans around the world.

Being nominated for the Peterborough Heroes award, was ‘unexpected’ for Stevie as she never imagined that the group would be so successful and that she and Richard would be recognised in such a way.

She said: “I would like to thank every member.

“I may be the creator but the credit goes to them.

“I wanted the group to be somewhere we could look out for each other and it’s been great to make a real impact in the community. “

One of our readers who nominated Stevie for her work said: “Stevie created the Coronaheroes Peterborough page and allowed the community to network during a time of unrest and crisis.

“This page, has fostered positivity in abundance, and has promoted ways in which people can help each other; whether delivering care packages to our most vulnerable, to sharing beautiful stories and drawings that bring us all together during a time of social distancing, and more.

“Stevie has been adamant that all content on our community page is positive and uplifting, and she’s been doing an incredible job!

“We want to say a great big ‘Thank-You!’ to her for doing such a fantastic and selfless job at this time. She’s a superstar!”

Richard has also been instrumental in the success of the group. A PT reader who nominated him said: “This man is truly amazing! He walks and bikes miles a day to deliver food for people in need.

“He deserves recognition for this. A lot of vulnerable and elderly people would have gone without if it wasn’t for him. All the care packages and food he delivers to the elderly and vulnerable, he does long hours every day just to help out.

“He has done so much for the community since lockdown and before.

He’s biked despite his own problems physically most days far and wide to ensure everybody has the essentials that they need.

“He has helped friends, family and complete strangers with no expectations and he deserves some recognition from everybody. We as a community are so grateful for him!”