An Edinburgh shop worker has been heralded as a community hero after stepping up to look after the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Linda Gray, who works at the Asda Chesser store, was honoured at a UK event that recognised workers that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in delivering service.
She was awarded the ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ award at the Asda Awards in Leeds with her colleagues celebrating her ‘strength’ and caring nature.
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Described as ‘bubbly’ by those who work alongside her, Linda is said to have ‘a strength that she does not realise’ as she carries out selfless acts of service both in store and in her local community.
During the pandemic, loving Linda delivered surprise afternoon tea boxes to her elderly neighbours’ doorsteps to let them know they weren’t alone.
She has also been celebrated for looking out for her neighbours and customers whilst taking care of her husband who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
“I was really shocked to have won this award and am really delighted,” Linda said. I just like to make sure everybody is okay; I enjoy doing it and it’s not a hardship for me at all.
“Even now after covid there are still a lot of people who are struggling, and I just want to make sure everyone is looked after.”
Ewan Carrigan, the general store manager for Asda Chesser added: “We are so proud of Linda and the amazing work she does, she’s truly an asset to the store and we’re all so delighted for her.
“She’s always looking out for us and bringing in her home-made sweet treats, and she has such a charitable heart.
“Last year, she made great efforts to pack and send shoe boxes to Ukraine to help those in need.
“No one deserves this award more, and we are very lucky to be her colleagues.”
In total there were 3,177 nominations for the Awards, which were created to recognise those individuals who have really stood out for going above and beyond for colleagues, communities, and each other.
The Proud to be Asda Awards aim to shine a spotlight on those who have made a genuine difference in their workplace.
Linda was announced as an overall winner for one of the nine categories which were shortlisted for the Proud to be Asda awards, with winners all receiving a prize of 2,000 Star Points, with Asda’s Overall Colleague of the Year receiving 3,000 Star Points.
