Live Better Blog: A positive note
This last month has been challenging, but it has proved that together, we can get through anything.
Whilst the nation continued in lockdown, we found that things seemed to fall in to place, and social distancing has quickly become the new normal.
We’d like to remind you that, during all of this, we’re still here for you.
If you need to get in touch with us, you can call 0161 837 4000 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or email info@moneyplus.com, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
This month, we’d like to focus on the positives of the pandemic; the things that, despite the odds, have made us smile.
Have a read. And just know that things will get better.
Captain Tom.
The story of Captain Tom walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday reached the hearts of the entire nation.
Set out to reach an initial goal of £1,000, Captain Tom ended up raising over £32 million for the NHS, and was met with worldwide support as he crossed the finish line on his final lap.
In recognition of his incredible contribution to the nation’s public health service, he was appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate on his 100th birthday, and more than 800,000 people have signed a petition for Captain Tom to be knighted.
What an inspiration!
The 2.6 Challenge.
The 2.6 Challenge is a ‘virtual marathon’ of sorts – people can take part by coming up with physical activities that involve 26 or 2.6 (26 is the number of miles in a marathon!).
Some of our amazing MoneyPlus people took on their own variations of the challenge to raise much needed funds for the Manchester Youth Zone, to help them continue their amazing work in supporting young people in our community who rely on their necessary services.
In the spirit of giving, our very own CEO, Chris Davis, donned his suit and tie, hopped on his tractor, and cut his paddock… 12 times (the length of a 26.2 mile marathon)!
Our original target was to raise £1,000 in a week. We ended up tripling our goal, and raised £3,098, with every penny going towards the Manchester Youth Zone!
A parent’s pandemic.
This one’s for all the parents out there who are balancing working from home (a full-time job) with parenting responsibilities (also a full-time job).
Our own Learning and Development Manager, Andy Jones, has journaled his experience of being a working parent during the pandemic, and you might be able to pull out some similarities to your own situation!
Have a read here.
National Tea Day.
Held on 21st April every year, National Tea Day is the official day in the UK to celebrate our love of tea.
This year was National Tea Day’s 5th anniversary, and it saw the biggest virtual tea party the nation has ever seen!
As a result, the lovely organisers of the virtual National Tea Day festivi-teas have decided to throw a ParTea every month… these parties are packed with great ideas, unique special offers for you to try and fun packed activities for everyone to get involved in.
The next virtual event is on the 21st May, and you can get involved here!
Inspiring survivors.
It’s vital that we honour the memory of the lives lost, but it’s also important that we share the inspirational stories of the people who have beaten coronavirus, too.
From the six-month-old ‘miracle’ baby, to one of the UK’s oldest coronavirus survivors, there are lots of examples of people from right here in the UK who have survived after falling ill with coronavirus.
Peter.
Peter, a 54-year-old from Sale, fell ill the day the UK went into lockdown. Seven days later, he couldn’t breathe (even to speak) and was rushed to an intensive care unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, but arrived back home to his family on April 18. In a moving gesture, neighbours left their houses to cheer and applaud as the car pulled onto the driveway when he came home. Messages chalked on pavements and signs in windows proclaimed ‘welcome home Pete’.
Erin (the miracle baby).
A six-month-old ‘miracle baby’ born with a heart condition beat coronavirus after two weeks in isolation. The baby was rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool after testing positive for COVID-19 on April 10, but 14 days later staff at the hospital shared an emotional video of her being taken out of isolation.
Phillip.
Phillip, a 58-year-old from Bolton, had a stroke when he was 24, which paralysed him down his right side, and a more severe one, aged 39, which resulted in him losing the ability to talk and swallow. When he was taken to hospital, his family feared the worst due to his underlying health conditions, but Phillip pulled through, and he returned home from hospital after recovering from coronavirus.
Fighting Gran.
One of the UK’s oldest coronavirus survivors, a 102-year-old great gran from Sheffield was applauded as she left hospital after beating COVID-19. The retired cleaner was diagnosed with the disease on Easter Monday and spent a week being treated for the virus before being discharged.
Wildlife wonder.
Whilst coronavirus has temporarily halted modern life, the hidden benefits of the pandemic on our wildlife are quite amazing.
Click here to watch how certain species are thriving during this time ?
We ? our frontline heroes!
For all our NHS and care worker heroes on the frontline who are working hard and saving lives every day, whilst putting their own at risk, we appreciate you!
To say thank you, MoneyPlus Energy will be giving away a year’s supply of free energy to one frontline NHS or care worker in April and May.
April’s winner has already been announced… NHS nurse Laura Jane Butcher!
We contacted her to let her know the great news, and she had this to say…
“I am extremely grateful to receive this generous offer, and feel humbled that MoneyPlus are supporting NHS staff through this difficult time.
MoneyPlus have made the switch over completely hassle free and I would highly recommend their services to family and friends in the future.
In the short term, their offer has given us some financial assurance, and I have decided to use the money saved towards a much needed family holiday once we are in better times.
Thank you again, and stay safe!”
#StayHome rainbows.
We’ve produced lovely little rainbows that you can print off and stick in your window to show your support for the NHS.
Click here to download our Rainbow!
A little extra help.
We know that times can get tough, and we’re here to support you.
We’ve put together some information on what to do if you find yourself financially affected by the current coronavirus disruption, and how we may be able to help.
Click here to read our Coronavirus and Debt guide, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need extra financial support.
Just call 0161 837 4000 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or email info@moneyplus.com and one of our friendly team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
Together, we can live better.
