Why The Global Pandemic Has Brought Out The Best In Us

As the NHS holds up the front line in the fi ght against COVID-19, the public is rallying together

- Lianne La Borde, Clare O'reilly.

Something highly contagious is spreading rapidly and, chances are, we’ve all been infected since Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country on lockdown. For once, we don’t mean the coronavirus (COVID-19), but simple human kindness.

The #BeKind movement first started gaining traction after the tragic death of Caroline Flack. A heartfelt Instagram post from the late TV presenter read, ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind,’ and the sentiment went viral.

This noble message wavered slightly in the face of this unprecedented crisis. But then, as social distancing and self-isolating measures were put into place, something changed, almost overnight.

Suddenly, everyone was looking out for each other – their neighbours, the elderly and those at high risk in the community.

On her eighth birthday, a girl living in Southampton was treated to a chorus of Happy Birthday by neighbours singing from windows and doorsteps. Supermarkets opened early for NHS workers and offered priority deliveries to the vulnerable.

Celebrities donated millions to charities, hotel owners offered rooms to NHS staff, and millions took part in Clap for Our Carers from windows and gardens.

And on her 103rd birthday, Dame Vera Lynn released a new video for We’ll Meet Again. ‘I’m reminded of World War Two when we faced the darkest times and pulled together for the common good,’ she said.

And with that deeply poignant message, Woman speaks to journalist Clare O’Reilly about all the kindness she’s witnessed.

‘OUR WARTIME SPIRIT HAS EMERGED’