Andrew is our 'Covid Hero'

Andrew Haworth, our IT technician, has gone above and beyond his job description since March, working up to 18 hour days to deliver essential food parcels and PPE to those in need.

The 42-year-old is now in the running for the title of ‘Social Care COVID Hero’ and ‘Ancillary Worker of the Year’, but remains humble about the work he has done.

He has driven around 700 miles a day on average in order to get supplies to those who need it, including hospitals and care homes.

He said: “I am classed as high-risk because I’m a Type 1 diabetic with other issues in the background, but for me I thought actually this has to get done so let’s get on with it,” he said.

“I know it’s not in my job description, but we’re a charity and you can’t turn around and say no, it’s not my job. I get on and do it because that’s the way I am. It helps people out and in this day and age, that’s what we need to do, to help everybody as best we can.”

“Jumping in the car and driving down to Coventry and getting back at 1am, then getting up at 6am the next morning to go to Darlington was something that needed to be done, so I got it done,” he added.

“There’s people in worse situations than me, so they need help more than I do. Staying at home and working from home would have driven me insane.”

The IT whizz will find out next year if he has won one of the coveted awards.

Head IT at Making Space, Chris Mizzi, nominated Mr Haworth for the award, and praised his colleague for his efforts during the pandemic.

“In spite of being at high-risk of COVID complications himself, Andrew has regularly been working 14 hour days, putting the health of co-workers and the people we support above his own,” he said.

“IT is the backbone of every health and social care organisation and Andrew’s dedication - which goes well beyond his job description - has kept us connected throughout a difficult year.”