Bradford 101 ages 50-59 on coronavirus pandemic

NEXT: AGES 60-69: Retired nurse:  'My heart was saying ‘go on, you can still do something’'

Zaid Bashir, 50, Bradford College Media and Technology Manager, from Bradford

With sudden lockdown and the need to help people in our community, I looked at where I could try and help those that needed it the most. I started looking at making PPE as it was desperately needed by our frontline NHS staff. At first I wasn’t sure I could produce face shields, but after a few designs and tweaks I started mass producing them, committing all my time to making as many as I could.

I soon realised that however small a contribution I thought I was making, it was so satisfying seeing hospital intensive care staff using my face shields while selflessly caring for so many of us.

Debbie Fitzmaurice, 51, Elmhurst Care Home Manager, from Undercliffe

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster over the last seven months of the coronavirus pandemic. From the start everything was in turmoil – it was a struggle just trying to find bread and other food to feed the clients. It was a challenge trying to keep up staff morale as we were all frightened of the virus coming into the care home. We have all worked extremely hard and it’s been so stressful for everyone. The ride continues, along with the stress behind all of our smiles.

Anna Dyson-Clarke, 51, Mental Health Nurse, from Undercliffe

I quickly became aware of the positives of lockdown. I loved how the air was cleaner and it was lovely waking up to birdsong rather than traffic noise. I felt as if I rediscovered the beauty of nature and went for long walks in places I had never been before. My animals were great company and I spent a lot of time with them. Indoor time when not working was spent on doing DIY projects that I had been putting off for ages. Social media was great fun and a good way of keeping in touch with friends.

Mohammed Mukhtar Khan, 52, Bradford Hackney Carriage Drivers Association Chairman, from West Bowling

I first noticed the way the streets were quieter. People did take coronavirus seriously. Just after that people thought it had gone, it’s ‘somebody else’s problem’. The second wave came and it’s affecting close ones. Everybody knows somebody closer that’s fallen ill to it or passed away. I didn’t expect myself to have it because I was taking a lot of precautions. My daughter called the ambulance. They advised me to go to hospital because my life was at risk. I was there six days and I recovered. I got looked after 24 hours day. The staff worked hard day and night to treat me. Without their help at the hospital, I don’t think I would have survived. I had breathing problems, a fever and a lot of other complications. Thankfully, I pulled through with the medicine they gave me.They’re risking their lives for people like us to get well.

Charles Byrne, 53, mechanical engineer, from Low Moor

We live on a small avenue, but never tended to interact much with our neighbours. At the start of the pandemic we realised our neighbours were lonely, suffering and isolated from their wider families. We initially shopped for those who couldn’t get to the shops. I then started to set up my DJ equipment each Saturday afternoon to play music, organise sanitised bingo games and build up some community spirit. It was a resounding success and our VE Day celebrations were brilliant with everyone involved. Since then neighbours have been fixing cars and cooking for each other etc. We have changed from neighbours to friends and created help groups on our own WhatsApp group. Covid brought us together.

Nigel Guy, 54, Windrush Advocate, from BD4

The Covid-19 experience is a notable chapter. For those who have lived directly through conflicts of war and aftermaths, we today realise the uncertainty this global pandemic can generate. The strength in togetherness in the face of unknown quantities we continue in hope and flourish with kindness engaging those in need of support. The Windrush Generation’s One One Coco food parcel initiative has brought much fulfilment for the elders and those self-isolating. We support each other with the goodwill of volunteers. Its equally a sense of fulfilment to give greater as we will receive more. Covid-19 may bring pain, but love shall overcome.

Patrick Gregory, 55, from Goitside

The main thing that strikes me during the pandemic is that people are more resilient than they would have believed. They are, for the most part, just getting on with it and taking each day as it comes. I feel worried by the situation we find ourselves in right now, not knowing if the virus will mutate or become less virulent. It’s like we’re waiting for the other boot to drop. The worst part was the initial total lockdown. Empty streets, closed shops, almost no contact with the outside world, making life surreal. I have no family, since my wife died last year, and the ebb and flow of society helps keep me grounded. Without that I felt truly alone.

Karen Richardson, 56, domiciliary care worker, from Wyke
As a community care worker, difficulties have been faced on a daily basis. I have worked with vulnerable clients, some of which have had the misfortune to end up with this terrible virus. But still I have continued to work, unable to visit my own family and friends. This, of course, has had a massive impact on my mental health. Our company has struggled with getting PPE. We are underpaid on the whole as carers, and I speak for everyone in this industry. When will we be free to live our normal lives again? I pray it is soon.

Mufti Qazi Hassan Razza, 56, founder Of Al Markaz Ul Islami, from Manningham

Al Markaz ul Islami played a significant role in ensuring that the BAME death rate in Bradford stayed as low as it did. We held emergency talks with Bradford Council For Mosques and ensured early suspension of congregational prayers from March 18, 2020. We produced posters on Government guidance as well as five information videos in different languages, which were shared nationwide. We offered our services to the hospital and provided a chaplaincy service to dying patients and their families. We also installed groundbreaking technology at the mosque to protect volunteers, visitors and teachers, which was the first of its kind in the UK.

Chris Cooper, 56, freelance football broadcaster, from Saltaire

I anticipated that lockdown was not going to be a quick fix, so decided to be proactive to stay healthy in mind and body. My broadcasting work stopped dead, but university teaching continued so I became a student with a crash course in Zoom! My allotment had never had so much TLC at the most important time of year and I got a personal shopper job at Tesco. Walking 10 miles a morning was outstanding exercise, gave a structure to my days and helped me ‘do my bit’.  I have learned over the years to be adaptable and resilient, traits I have certainly needed in these these worrying and confusing times.

Jacqui Drake, 57, choreographer and fundraiser, from Apperley Bridge

As a cancer patient who is terminally ill with stage 4 malignant melanoma, I spent 25 weeks shielding in sole isolation as I live alone. My parents were also shielding and do not use technology, so just a lovely phone call each day until we finally could form our own special ‘bubble’. I tried to use my time positively to help other cancer patients with my charity Jacqui’s Million, setting up a peer support group. It’s not easy for anyone, but we have to keep positive for a better future. My appeal has now raised over £215,000 with everyone’s generosity.

Harkishan Mistry, 57, unemployed fundraiser, from Buttershaw

During the pandemic, I have been heavily involved with the Bradford Hindu Council members to help relieve hardship faced by many in the community and put a smile on faces. We raised more than £6,000 for the food bank in Little Germany, and provided 140 meals for care workers at the Hollybank Trust. Yoga Day was celebrated on Sunday, June 21, and the Zoom event attracted 192 participants from different backgrounds, communities and religions. This was to help with mental health issues. In July, Sewa Day volunteers replenished six food banks across West Yorkshire with more than three tons of healthy food items.

Saeed Butt, 58, mental health worker for Sharing Voices, from Heaton

I started off unemployed and I’ve now been lucky to get a job in mental health. I’m feeling very fortunate. It’s been very different. I had to stop doing all the things I enjoy. Some people succumbed to Covid-19. I had to express my condolences over the phone. There was no face-to-face, no sitting with them. In religious terms, we go through a specific process, but I wasn’t able to do that. It was like something out of a film in the early days. I came out the other end more aware about my mental health, more grateful and more aware of the basic things I might not have been aware of before.

Kevin Davies, 59, Teacher, From Sutton-in-Craven

As a husband, making sure my wife’s recovery from major surgery was not derailed by the virus. As a father, having my autistic son come to stay with us and trying to explain what was happening. Consoling my daughter as she considered and finally postponed her wedding. As a son, praying that my mum would be safe in her care home. She wasn’t. Limiting the numbers of family members at the funeral service and not being able to share grief. As a teacher, admiring the resilience and fortitude of children in school as they just got on with things. Life goes on.

NEXT: AGES 60-69: Retired nurse:  'My heart was saying ‘go on, you can still do something’'

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