My Mum died in March 2020 and as she was in a care home I was not able to see her before she died. Neither could I see her on the day she died. The thing that helped me through was to bear witness to the remarkable response of our social care and health care key workers, including those who held my Mum's hand as she died, and knowing that in my stead they helped my Mum rest peacefully. This remarkable act was repeated thousands and thousands of times by people across our health and care during the pandemic and I pay tribute to everyone including Lincolnshire's amazing key workers wherever they are and whatever contribution they made.

This recognition scheme allows us to mark what everyone went through with new growth and renewal: I have chosen a Crab Apple tree for my garden and I will treasure it! Thank you to the Lincolnshire system for recognising our people in this way.