HAVING ‘unwavering compassion,’ being ‘kind-hearted’ and ‘an amazing human’ are just some of the ways you described your everyday heroes.

Last Thursday, the Oxford Mail issued a call to readers to nominate those who go above and beyond for others. These everyday heroes do what they do in earnest – not for applause or thanks, but simply because.

In times of crisis, the best of humanity shines through. And whilst the news might be seem scary and the future is unknown, we wanted to take a moment to shine a light on all the good going on in our community.

We were inundated with lovely messages from readers. Shop assistants, care home workers, doctors, funeral directors, postal workers, teachers, pharmacists, delivery drivers – all of these people have been recognised as going above and beyond, keeping the county going during lockdown.

One person who received several nominations is Ady Crook, from Didcot. Mr Crook is doing a sponsored spinathon to raise money for the cancer treatment of a local nine year-old and for Kamran’s Ward (children’s cancer) at the John Radcliffe.

Explaining his fundraising on his justgiving page, Mr Crook wrote: “Yasmin is a 9 year old girl, who like many young girls her age has an incredible zest for life[...] “Sadly in February, Yasmin and her family received the worst news any family should ever have to hear. Yasmin was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, it’s a bone tumour cancer, affecting about 13cm of bone. Yas started her chemotherapy in early March and despite the terrible side effects of sickness, mouth ulcers, lethargy and the added pressures and worries brought on by Covid-19, her bravery, resilience and fighting spirit is what’s keeping Yas strong.

“Her chemotherapy is then planned to continue for several more rounds through to late September to October, so still quite a long journey left to face, but one we hope she continues to be brave, strong and positive throughout and with a smile on her face, like always!

“All being well, Yas is due her big operation at the end of May, it will remove the tumour and the effected bone, which will be replaced by a titanium rod. Yas is understandably very scared about the surgery, but as she has with everything so far, we’re sure she will face it head on, especially with all the amazing support and encouragement she’s been receiving.”

Nominator Ali Hodgson said: “Ady Crook hosts isolation bingo every Sunday in his neighbourhood, raising money for ICU at the John Radcliffe.

“He is now doing a 1,000-mile spinathon to raise money for a local nine year-old who has cancer. He is determined to keep not only the community together but raise some amazing amounts of money.”

Oxford Mail:

Another added: “Our next door neighbour Ady from Ladygrove in Didcot is spinning 1,000 miles throughout May. His goal was £,1000 for the charity and has already raised £2,570. Last Saturday he cycled for 12 hours on the spin bike, covering 175 miles.”

Mr Crook’s new goal is £5000. To help him achieve this, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/spin1000yas