Let’s hear it for ALL the key workers on the front line | Rick Jackson

It was all very moving I have to say. But after speaking to my mum I realised we needed to show our thanks to another group of people.

Mum works at Tesco. She was telling me how exhausting and worrying the past few weeks have been for her.

The other Sunday, 800 NHS workers were allowed into her store. Thirty minutes later the doors opened for everyone else. It was carnage.

Mum told me how she had to battle past people to get to the checkout. Then there was the panic buying with some shoppers spending more than £500.

On top of that there was the abuse from others when items ran out or when they were approached by a member of staff and asked not to buy in bulk. Social distancing didn’t exist and no respect was shown by many.

I’ve heard the same from friends who work on the ferries.

Rude passengers wanting a coffee when told the shop is closed; others blaming them for spreading the virus by taking coachloads of pensioners to the island. Proof shows photos of virtually empty ferries just carrying essential freight for those islanders.

So, because of them, I decided to start my own campaign on the breakfast show, #waveforworkers.

It’s aimed at all those key workers on the front line who are keeping Britain moving and fed.

I’m encouraging listeners to simply wave at a delivery or bus driver, postman or ambulance crew. A 16-year-old listener has designed a poster to display on home or car windows.

It’s just a simple way to say to those key workers that we haven’t forgotten them and we do appreciate all they are doing as well.

Not all of us are selfish and rude and by displaying the poster or giving a wave, you are simply saying ‘thank you’.

It’s the one job for which I don’t have the stomach

The patio has been pressure-washed. The garage and the shed have been cleaned and reorganised, then a fresh new coat of stain applied.

The grass has been cut 37 times. I’ve tidied my sock drawer and thrown out old pants. The filing cabinet has been organised and unwanted papers shredded. Those knick-knack drawers in the kitchen have been sorted through and the bathroom has been redecorated.

Yes, all those jobs I’ve put off for years have been completed. There is only one left and I still can’t face it. Six years we’ve put it off in the knowledge the job is just too big. Come on everyone, let’s kick coronavirus into touch now so we don’t have to sort out... the loft!

Alexa: Play that song again… and your days are numbered

I’ve heard lots of stories of parents struggling with home schooling, and we’re two of them.

Our kids are four and five and need constant attention and stimulation. With both of us still working, it really has been a strain and it’s just been made worse by an old ‘friend’.

Getting the kids to constantly wash their hands is a challenge in itself and singing ‘happy birthday’ twice has worn thin. Sadly, what’s replaced is far, far worse. ‘Alexa, play Wash Your Hands by Baby Shark,’ says Holly. Yes, the same Baby Shark annoying song is back but now to the tune of ‘wash your hands do do do do do do...’

I’m about to throw Alexa so hard out of the kitchen window she’ll go into orbit!

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