A legal graduate has earned the pride of her family by throwing herself into volunteering on the NHS Check-in and Chat helpline.
Katherine Hannigan, 27, had trained as a barrister but when she found herself unable to work due to covid restrictions she didn’t waste any time in finding ways to be useful.
The Trent Univesity law student had only just graduated and had already lined herself up for paralegal work when the first lockdown closed the courts along with work opportunities.
But as her sister Caroline, 30, explains, it didn’t stop her “pulling herself up by her bootstraps and saying, right what can I do to help?”.
After helping out in various voluntary organisations previously, Katherine who lives in Nottingham settled into a role as an NHS Check in and Chat volunteer.
The service is linked to Track and Trace and provides telephone support to those who are self-isolating, whether that is a voice at the end of the phone as a listening ear or someone to point them in the right direction for supplies or medical assistance.
Caroline has been so impressed by her little sister’s generous spirit that she has nominated her for a Covid Heroes award. She said: “We are not only sisters but also housemates so I have seen first hand how she has thrown herself into her [voluntary] work. She was telling me just the other day that she has clocked up over 3,100 volunteer hours and she’s still keeping up with her studies and checking her books.
“She is just brilliant and has so much patience… she is just such a warm person.”
Having previously volunteered for charities including Childline, Marie Curie and Framework, Katherine is no stranger to doing her bit in the community.
Family friend Lee Marley, 52, who is also from Nottingham, said: “She has such an unselfish attitude.
“A hard-working and considerate girl, she really applied herself to her university studies so it was a blow when the pandemic paused her career but rather than feeling sorry for herself, her tenacity hasn’t failed her and she’s helping people who can often find themselves in a very lonely place.”
On hearing about the nomination, Katherine said: "I'm amazed, to be honest, and a bit shocked. I volunteer not for the recognition but to be able to help.
"When I heard that the NHS Check-in and Chat service needed volunteers I was glad I was able to help. I am confident on the phone and enjoy talking to people so I was glad to help relieve some of the pressure for the NHS... I've enjoyed hearing people's stories."
Do you know someone who deserves recognition in your community? Nominate them as a Covid Hero today by clicking the link to the NottinghamshireLive Covid Hero nomination form.
