Young Derbyshire volunteers hailed for helping to feed needy during lockdown

Two young volunteers have been hailed for helping to feed needy people in Derbyshire during the coronavirus lockdown.

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While schools were closed, 12-year-old Madison Davies and 13-year-old Louis Devoy got involved with the Derbyshire Community Hub, which helps those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families in Staveley and surrounding areas.

The youngsters racked up a total of around 150 hours’ volunteering and helped with a range of important duties including putting food parcels together and cooking meals for people in need.

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Madison Davies and Louis Devoy with Staveley Town Council members Dean Rhodes, Mick Bagshaw and Paul Mann during Saturday's presentation.Madison Davies and Louis Devoy with Staveley Town Council members Dean Rhodes, Mick Bagshaw and Paul Mann during Saturday's presentation.
Madison Davies and Louis Devoy with Staveley Town Council members Dean Rhodes, Mick Bagshaw and Paul Mann during Saturday's presentation.

Madison also obtained a level two food hygiene qualification, with Louis planning to complete his during the October half-term.

Michelle Vickers and Nicola Finch, founders of the Derbyshire Community Hub, this week praised Madison and Louis, describing them as a ‘massive asset’ and ‘very generous’.

They added: “The pair have been absolute stars and we can’t thank them enough.”

Madison’s parents Kerri and Jason, of Holmewood, said: “We’re incredibly proud of her – she’s a credit to her community.

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Lisa Richardson, of Staveley Morrisons, Nicola Finch, of the Derbyshire Community Hub, Louis Devoy, Sarah Cole, Madison Davies's aunty who is also involved in the hub, Madison Davies and Michelle Vickers, of the Derbyshire Community Hub.Lisa Richardson, of Staveley Morrisons, Nicola Finch, of the Derbyshire Community Hub, Louis Devoy, Sarah Cole, Madison Davies's aunty who is also involved in the hub, Madison Davies and Michelle Vickers, of the Derbyshire Community Hub.
Lisa Richardson, of Staveley Morrisons, Nicola Finch, of the Derbyshire Community Hub, Louis Devoy, Sarah Cole, Madison Davies's aunty who is also involved in the hub, Madison Davies and Michelle Vickers, of the Derbyshire Community Hub.

“She’s really enjoyed volunteering with the hub and learned so many new skills – while helping lots of people in need.”

Louis’s parents Craig and Katie, of Staveley, added: “We’re both immensely proud of him.

“He wanted to do something to help people during lockdown and that’s exactly what he’s done.”

On Saturday, Madison and Louis were invited to Morrisons in Staveley where they were presented with a hamper from the supermarket and a £20 gift voucher from Staveley Town Council in recognition of their efforts.

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Lisa Richardson, a community champion at Staveley Morrisons – which has been supporting the Derbyshire Community Hub during the pandemic – said: “Madison and Louis are exceptional young children.

“What they’ve done for our area is amazing.”

Councillor Mick Bagshaw, Staveley Town Council member for Hollingwood ward, added: “To listen to what Madison and Louis have achieved is not just inspirational to other people in their age group but for all ages and walks of life.

“They are a credit to their age group, their families and the community, and we would like to thank them for their tremendous work.”

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