A WOMAN from York has been nominated for a Community Pride award after supporting people in her community through the coronavirus pandemic.

Gill Bell, who lives in the Huntington area of the city, has been nominated for the Good Neighbour of the Year in this year’s awards.

Gill, has been giving up her free time to help those in need during these difficult times. She has offered to help those who are vulnerable to the virus and have had to self-isolate as a result.

Gill, who works for the Family Fund, a charity who supports families with disables chidlren, has been using her time away from work to do shopping, deliveries and collections of items for those that need her help.

On top of this, Gill and her husband have been making weekly Sunday dinners for vulnerable residents which may be unable to travel to get ingredients to make such a meal.

Gill said: “Its nice to give them something to look forward to, to make them smile.”

Gill also created the Covid-19 page on Facebook for the Huntington area. A number of these groups have been created around the city where residents can volunteer their time to support those in need.

As well as working for a charity, Gill is also a keen fundraiser. Earlier in the lock down, she took part in the nationwide ‘2.6 Challenge’, which was created after the cancellation of the London marathon. Gill managed to walk the length of a full marathon, which equates to 26 miles, with her dog over the course of a week.

Gill and her husband also host a weekly ‘Kids Quiz’ on Facebook, which her friends with younger children get involved them to keep them entertained.

Gill has been nominated for the award by one of her neighbours, Nicola Stirk. She said: “Gill goes above and beyond for everyone. Not just during locked she is constantly helping someone or supporting them.

“She is so kind, always thinking of everyone else and making them smile.”

On receiving the nomination, Gill said: “I was concerned about these vulnerable people, not everyone has family and friends to help them.

“It has kept me busy and gives me something to focus on too.”

As well as the Good Neighbour of the Year, there will also be prizes for Spirit of Youth, Person of the Year, Sporting Hero, Public Sector Hero, Best Community Project, School of the Year, Charity Fundraiser, Child of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and and Health Service Hero.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to the community within the City of York Council area.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or you can submit your nomination on The Press website.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 24. Nominations must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each entry and should include a photograph, which we cannot return.