THE efforts of a Thurrock man to help combat Covi-19 have been highlighted by the borough's Clinical Commissioning Group.

During the Coronavirus pandemic many volunteers have stepped forward from all walks of life to support the efforts to fight the virus and last month a call went out to Thurrock residents to ask for support in volunteering at the borough's two GP led-vaccination centres.

Peter Tsouroulla from Grays answered the call and has been volunteering at the Chadwell Medical Centre, guiding and supporting people arriving for their vaccination.

Peter, 51, runs his own business as an Independent Mortgage broker working in the city of London (although has been home working for most of the last year!)

When the call came out for volunteers, Peter said: "I felt compelled to do my bit for the local community and the country as a whole. We must do all we can to get out of this terrible situation."

After filling in the application documents, the practice manager showed Peter around and introduced him to the staff. He was taken through the safety aspects, given suitable PPE equipment.

Peter says he felt buoyed by the camaraderie and impact the vaccine is having on older residents, telling Thurrock Nub News: "I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding and emotional moments that I have had for a long time.

"I feel so proud to do my bit and help the local NHS. We all know how dedicated they are but seeing that dedication and the 'it's all in a day's work' attitude first hand was marvellous.

"While the local NHS staff know they are changing people's lives, protecting those lives and influencing the future of the country they just got on with the job in hand in such a positive and professional manner.

"The elderly members of the community, some of whom had not been out of their homes for many months, some of whom had concerns and were nervous left the clinic with joy, relief and in the positive knowledge they had done the right thing by having the vaccination."

When asked what he would say to people wondering if they should volunteer he said: "I wouldn't hesitate to say 'Do it !'."

Sharon Hogarth from the Covid-19 vaccination programme said: "I want to give huge thanks to Peter and all of the responders to the 'call to action' for their early starts, late finishes and commitment shown to training and making themselves available to help, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the staff at both Chadwell vaccination hub and Stifford Clays hub. They should all be very proud of themselves.

"Peter and the team of volunteers are playing a key role meeting and greeting, guiding people safely around the one-way system at a safe social distance and ensuring masks and hand gel are properly deployed.

"More than that, they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere giving a 'good feel' and it is hoped that with this added dose of humanity and less anxiety in the air, it may likely reduce reactions and prime people for a good immune response.

"Everyone is left with an overarching feeling of our community pulling together and this is pivotal and key to success and a sustainable vaccination programme over the coming months".