For all of us, the global pandemic has meant times of difficulty and hardship, but throughout, some people have shone and we need to reflect on the thanks we should be giving to them.

They are the key workers. I don’t mean just the NHS staff who we have often applauded on Thursday evenings at 8pm, and rightly so because they have put themselves at great risk to save so many who have been so ill, and sadly seen many not survive.

I want to praise the care workers; those who have had to look after people in need of care both in their own homes and in care homes. They have also been putting themselves at risk.

I want to praise the Police, who have with great difficulty had to try to understand what members of the public are allowed to do and not, but throughout have tried to be reasonable and only be strict in the face of significant provocation. They have also often been put at greater risk because of the reckless and dangerous behaviour of some individuals.

I want to praise shop workers who have continued to stock the shelves and help at check out, despite the added dangers of simply being there, and despite having to face some anger at the attempts to enable social distancing in the shops.

I want to praise the bin men, who have struggled with additional and heavier waste, because so many are taking the opportunity to clear out households and garages, or who have struggled with much additional garden waste as people have spent much more time at home.

I want to praise all the volunteers who came together to help people who were unable to access food, either because they had to stay indoors shielding themselves, or because jobs or income had been lost.

I want to praise all the others who I have not previously listed – firemen who have volunteered to cover in areas where they might be needed; postmen and delivery persons who have allowed people to stay safely at home while helping businesses continue to trade; and many others who I have not listed for lack of space in this article. Thank you all.