STAFF at LiveWire who have generously donated their time to help others throughout the coronavirus pandemic have been praised.

From helping to administer Covid-19 tests to enabling people continue to safely access church services, staff members have been volunteering their services in a variety of different ways.

Volunteers have played a key role in particular in the pandemic response, making a massive difference to their communities and neighbours during what has been a very difficult time.

And to mark National Volunteers Week this week, LiveWire management is taking the chance to recognise the contribution they and millions of others across the UK have made.

Membership experience advisor Jane Banks has volunteered at the lateral flow coronavirus testing centre based at Halliwell Jones Stadium during the pandemic.

She said: “The best thing about volunteering was knowing I was helping to try and keep the people of Warrington safe and helping to prevent the spread of Covid 19.

“I met some amazing people who I will definitely be keeping in touch with, and I also learnt a lot about myself from the whole experience. It is definitely something I will never forget.”

Also donating her time as a Covid tester was Andrea McCready, lead LiveWire advisor at Culcheth Library.

LizeWire employees Andrea McCready and Lisa Espin

LizeWire employees Andrea McCready and Lisa Espin

“I find volunteering very satisfying and I get a so much out of being able to help other people,” she said.

“Working at the Covid testing centre was very uplifting, as I felt I was helping people of Warrington from all walks of life to go about their everyday business as safely as possible.

“Being a part of that was very special to me.”

Community librarian Matthew Entwistle volunteered as a steward at St John Henry Newman Catholic Church, helping people to safely access church services, private prayer, funerals and more.

On his role, he commented: “I love being part of the stewarding team.

“You really feel like you are doing something useful and making a difference to people’s quality of life during the pandemic.”

Another LiveWire staff member giving up her time to help others at the coronavirus test centre at Grappenhall Cricket Club was Lisa Espin, lead LiveWire advisor at Stockton Health, Woolston and Lymm libraries.

She explained: “The best thing about volunteering was being away from the chocolate biscuits at home.

Community librarian Matthew Entwistle volunteered as a steward at St John Henry Newman Catholic Church

Community librarian Matthew Entwistle volunteered as a steward at St John Henry Newman Catholic Church

“I enjoyed working at the lateral flow testing site during the last lockdown. I was struggling being at home again and found the days quite long and lonely, so it was a real boost to be able to leave the house and spend the day talking to different people.

“It was lovely to be busy and help all the people visiting the centre to receive a Covid test.”

The efforts of all four staff members, as well as the many others who have volunteered during the pandemic, have been praised by LiveWire’s managing director, Emma Hutchinson.

She added: “Jane, Andrea, Matthew and Lisa are just a few of the LiveWire staff who gave up their time over the past year to help others.

“I am very proud of all our staff who stepped up and gave something back to the community, either while on furlough or alongside their usual LiveWire work.

“Volunteers Week is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and say thanks for the hard work by volunteers all over Warrington and beyond, who really do go the extra mile to make a difference in our communities.

“I would also like to thank everyone who donates their time volunteering for LiveWire – from those who support our libraries to Health Walk leaders and Fit To Tackle mentors. It is very much appreciated.”