A silver lining to the pandemic has been the outpouring of support from volunteers eager to help with the Covid-19 relief effort. As lockdown eases across the country, we take a moment to celebrate the British Airways colleagues who have been in the thick of it, from shopping for those who are vulnerable to administering life-saving vaccines...

Nigel Courtis, British Airways A380 pilot

How have you been supporting the relief effort?
I’ve been working as a volunteer on a regular basis at a vaccination clinic in a supporting role, meeting and greeting patients as they arrive and booking them in for their jabs.
Why did you sign up?
My wife is a GP, so I understand the pressure that the NHS is under and I know that volunteering, even in a small way, helps to reduce its burden. I also wanted to contribute to the effort to get life back to normal and allow us to travel again.

What’s been your greatest takeaway from the experience?
Just like flying, it’s been brilliant to connect with people once more and to provide a service that I know they appreciate. Most are chatty and there is always a positive atmosphere, as this is such a significant step forward.
Where will you be heading on holiday when travel resumes?
I don’t want a holiday – I just want to get back to doing my job with British Airways, but that does have the benefit of visiting some fantastic locations! I can’t wait to fly into cities like Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Hong Kong and enjoy everything they have to offer again.  

Laura Cody, Mixed Fleet Cabin Crew

How have you been supporting the relief effort?
I’ve been administering first and second doses of the Covid vaccines to NHS workers and healthcare professionals at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey. We are also now vaccinating eligible patients who have been contacted. Alongside this, I’ve been doing administrative work, checking patients in and out as well as inputting data to patients’ medical records.
Why did you sign up?
I wanted to do something valuable with my time on furlough and wanted to be a part of history. I am in awe of the NHS and its incredible work throughout the pandemic, and I wanted to help however I could.
What’s been your greatest takeaway?
Definitely the experience of vaccinating. I never dreamt my career would take a temporary sidestep into a medical environment and it’s been amazing to have the opportunity to do something I might never get the chance to do again.
Where will you be heading on holiday when travel resumes?
It’s my big 3-0 this year and I want to go somewhere special to celebrate. I would love to go to the Maldives to absorb some well-needed and deeply missed sunshine.

Joshua Binns, Inflight Lead Cabin Crew

How have you been supporting the relief effort?
I started training for taking 999 emergency calls in April 2020 for the North West Ambulance Service. Since then, I’ve managed to help people in emergencies ranging from CPR to assuring the safe delivery of babies.
Was there a particular reason that drove you to sign up?
It was pure luck that the service was recruiting and I had the skills required, thanks to my training with British Airways. The idea of using them in a medical capacity was extremely attractive.
What’s been your greatest takeaway?
When people have written to thank me for helping them, and also when I helped to deliver a baby over the phone. It was such an amazing buzz – and to be able to communicate over the phone like that was so rewarding.
Where will you be heading on holiday when travel resumes?
My partner and I love Los Angeles: perfect weather all year round and so many things to do. Of course, we will be flying British Airways.

Eleanor Hardcastle, Data Science Consultant

How have you been supporting the relief effort?
I have been working as NHS volunteer responder to help those who have been shielding during the pandemic to avoid busy places by collecting their groceries and medicines and delivering them to their homes.
Why did you sign up?
The past year has been challenging for everyone, but I feel those who were required to shield have had such a tough and lonely time. I couldn’t imagine not being able to leave the house to just go to the supermarket, so I wanted to do something that made their lives a little easier.
What’s been your greatest takeaway?
I live in Ealing, west London, and I’ve really enjoyed exploring my local area and getting to know my neighbours. While volunteering, I have spoken to and met some incredible people in my neighbourhood, and I hope this will continue in the future.
Where will you be heading on holiday when travel resumes?
Last summer, I was lucky enough to explore some beautiful parts of the UK such as the New Forest and the Lake District, so I would love to continue discovering new areas of the country. The first place I’ll be heading when international travel resumes is Greece because the food is incredible.

To find out more about how British Airways will be keeping you safe in the skies, click here

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This article has been tagged BA, Wellbeing