‘She’s made our community greater’: Young lockdown hero from Derbyshire presented with award

Nine-year-old Sky Morrell has gone above and beyond to lift the spirits of people in her community throughout the pandemic.

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During the first lockdown last year, big-hearted Sky painted lovely pictures for all residents of Station Road, Hollingwood, and went on to collect hamper items for A&E staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

In the summer, Sky made and sold friendship bracelets in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare – and in memory of her grandmother who died in January last year.

Thanks to donations from family, friends and neighbours, she raised just over £250 for the the hospice.

In December, Sky helped with the preparations for Hollingwood’s Santa parade.

She even got hands on by dressing up as an elf and supporting Santa’s float.

More recently, Sky has worked alongside family to organise and design a drop-off point for residents to donate toiletries for patients of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

In May last year, residents took part in a surprise socially-distanced clap for Sky’s birthday.

Her mum Sharon, Station Road, Hollingwood, said: “I was overwhelmed to see so many people show their appreciation by clapping and singing happy birthday to my little girl.

“It was quite an emotional moment to see friends, family and residents, some of whom had never met Sky, come together in a socially-distanced way and share that moment with us.”

Now, Staveley councillors Mick and Dawn Bagshaw have given Sky an engraved star award as well as a medallion and a certificate in a socially-distanced presentation.

Mr Bagshaw said: “This is a great community and Sky has made it greater – we’re all so proud of her.

“Sky is only nine and I can see why her parents named her that – her heart is like the sky, it’s huge and brightens everyone's day.”

Sky said she felt ‘privileged and honoured to be recognised in such a special way’.

Her mum added: “I’m sure she will continue to support others and carry on with her ideas for fundraising and helping her local community come together.”

Mr and Mrs Bagshaw also gave an award to the Hollingwood Residents Association for their admirable efforts throughout the pandemic.

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