Pub landlady who volunteers on Covid-19 positive ward named as a ‘Rose of Northamptonshire’

A pub landlady who has volunteered on a Covid-19 positive wards throughout the pandemic has been awarded a ‘Rose of Northamptonshire’.

Suzy Keeping, who runs the Old White Hart in Far Cotton and The Picturedrome, was involved in a number of projects to help others during 2020, and continues to volunteer at the hospital this year.

The 'Rose of Northamptonshire' awards, which are a joint venture from Northamptonshire County Council, the High Sherriff’s office and the Lord Lieutenant, aim to recognise those who have helped their communities during the pandemic.

More than 300 nominations were received for the awards and Suzy, along with many other hard working Northamptonshire residents, including a village pub landlady, have been announced as the winners.

Suzy, who has also previously won an O2 Everyday Hero award, said: “I didn’t know anything about it so when I received the email I wasn’t sure what it was.

“When I realised I was shocked and really grateful. It’s lovely as it’s more local and I definitely got more emotional about this award.

“It’s also really nice to know that someone cares and that someone nominated me.”

As the pandemic began to become apparent, Suzy, alongside three other women, set up the Far Cotton Community Support Group, which has helped residents with prescription collections, food parcels and more.

When her pub had to close, Suzy also began volunteering on a Covid positive ward at Northampton General Hospital, helping with admin and feeding, or just being with patients.

And that is not all that the 25-year-old has done to help those less fortunate then her.

During the school summer holidays - when the pub was briefly allowed to open - Suzy and her team offered free hot, school meals for eat in or collection and then when the hospitality industry had to shut down once again, Suzy returned to her volunteering role at the hospital, where she continues to work three days a week now.

To show their appreciation of all her hard work, someone nominated Suzy for the award, although she is not sure who completed the nomination.

Suzy added: “Compared to the guys I work with here in the hospital, I feel like I have done the bare minimum.

“They are here day in, day out and I almost feel guilty walking in like I’m not here for long enough.

“Our generation has never seen anything like this and when we look back on this in 50 years time, I want to say to my kids that I got stuck in.

“I am a do-er and I wanted to go out and help.”

Suzy plans to continue volunteering at the hospital until she knows more about when pubs are allowed to reopen.

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