Select a region
Sam Gibson has been named the TMF Lockdown Hero for the Bailiwick of Guernsey after her selfless work on the covid frontline, while caring for her own children and still reaching out to check up on other family members and friends.
She had been described as a "superwoman" by her own sister and brother-in-law who nominated her, and now more than 40% of the public have voted for her as their TMF Lockdown Hero too.
When Sam was first nominated by her sister's fiancé, Gaz Papworth, he said she deserved to be praised for her work looking after people in their own homes after they had tested positive for the corona virus earlier this year.
"The reason I believe Sam should win is because she has been in and out looking after patients in their homes who tested positive for Covid-19 and caring for them," he said. "She is a Rapid Response Support Worker, she has two young children of her own and she has been very worried about bringing the virus home, but she carried on with her job caring for those in need."
Pictured: Sam Gibson with her children Maisie and Ollie.
Gaz said that a personal tragedy in Sam's own life makes her even more remarkable in his eyes.
"Sam and her husband David tragically lost their first child many years ago and Sam had to give birth to their still born, this destroyed them. They have been through a lot and the fact she keeps pushing forward and helping others is incredible.
"The thought of her losing her own children from Covid-19 worried her sick, but she put on a brave face and put her job and others first to protect our islands community.
"Sam is a kind, caring lady with a massive heart and I truly hope she wins and gains recognition for helping people with Covid-19. She is our family hero!"
Sam's sister, Abi Milton - who is Gaz's fiancée - said Sam still carries the loss of her first born child with her every day, but she is a strong woman who kept working on the covid front line despite her own fears for her own family.
Pictured: Sam Gibson and her nephew Alfie.
"There aren’t really words to describe my sister Sam," said Abi. "She is the most beautiful soul. I don’t think you’d be able to find anyone who knows her to disagree. She was born to be a mum and her first baby, Charlie, she lost as still born at full term. I can’t even bare to imagine what she went through, having to give birth knowing he had passed away and go home without her baby to face life completely broken. I don’t know how she did it. She was strong, she was graceful, she was just incredible all at the age of 21. But she was broken and I know she still feels there’s a piece of her heart missing without Charlie. A loss she and her husband carry with them every day.
"As you can imagine, her children Ollie and Maisie who are now 9 and 11 are her absolute world. She completely adores them and is the best mum. She was absolutely terrified about working front line with COVID-19, terrified of passing the virus on to one of her children and losing them too. We messaged and spoke on the phone every day as usual and I could tell how much she was struggling, but being Sam she was still trying to make sure I was okay and we were all fine!
"Her daughter in particular really suffers with her chest so that was extra worry for her but Sam showed up to work every single shift though full of guilt and worry, working in the Community and she helped a lot in the terribly affected Care homes. She dealt with the virus first hand, with a smile and loving care, putting her own fears aside.
"She would never let anyone down, she is always there and willing to help. We would love her to win this, just to get some of the recognition she deserves though would never, ever expect. Sammy has always been superwoman to me, she really is a hero."
When Express called Sam to let her know that she had won the public vote to be the TMF Lockdown Hero, she was very grateful and pleasantly surprised by the news.
"Thank you - it's overwhelming, I can't believe it really. It's lovely news, thank you," she said.
Pictured: Damien Fitzgerald, Head of Funds, Guernsey, TMF Group.
Cengiz Somay, Managing Director of TMF Group in the Channel Islands, said it was wonderful to see so many people nominated, with the four shortlisted candidates all showing great community spirit, with Sam a deserving winner overall.
“We’d like to thank all those that have nominated, and voted for, their favourite lockdown hero. The number of entrants was impressive and demonstrates the community spirit across both islands. It’s great to see so many incredible gestures of kindness during such difficult times.”
Damien Fitzgerald, Head of Funds, Guernsey, TMF Group, agreed Sam is a very worthy winner: “Sam really is an incredible individual. As well as caring for her own family and friends, she is a Rapid Response Worker who has been out on the front line every day. We are really pleased to celebrate her commitment and passion through these TMF Lockdown Hero Awards.”
Sam has won £500 with the three runners up, Debbie Clark, Amy McColl and Val Kilpatrick, each winning £250.
Pictured top: Sam Gibson.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.