"Sometimes when you can't find the light you have to be it yourself": Northampton woman named as "Rose of Northamptonshire"

A 34-year-old Northampton woman has been named as a "Rose of Northamptonshire" for her efforts in providing food hampers and making the world a "better place" for those who are disadvantaged.

Hannah Litt, from Weston Favell Village, said the George Floyd incident in the USA "opened her eyes" to the injustices in the world and from then on she took a more hands on approach to support the community around her to combat the "dark times" of the Covid crisis.

The award, which was open to the public to send in their nominations, recognises and expresses thanks to groups or individuals who have worked tirelessly to keep their communities safe since the pandemic began back in March 2020.

The anonymous person who nominated Hannah said she is a "tireless activist" and "stands up for the rights of others at all times". The nomination went on to say Hannah is "tireless in her work to make the world a better place, especially for people who are disadvantaged."

Hannah said her charitable work begin in April last year where she posted on social media offering people food hampers.

She said this picked up steam and a community group was established called Amplified NN, which has also won a Rose of Northamptonshire and is made up of volunteers Emma Shane, Roy Morrison, Marly Lyman, Paul MacDonald and Josh West.

Hannah said: ""For me it has been such a dark time. I work full time as well and at times it has been really difficult to say the least. Sometimes when you can't find the light you have to be it yourself.

"When the George Floyd incident happened in the US, it opened my eyes to the injustices here. If I can help someone everyday, no matter how big or small, then at least it is something.

"I started in April working with a few others and we made Amplified NN, a community group to help the vulnerable during lockdown.

"We provided food hampers for people and advertised on social media to see if anyone needed one. When the government didn't provide school meals, for example, we organised hot meals for children who needed them and their family, and anyone that was vulnerable and needed one.

"I helped a lady on my street whose husband died, so I went and did her shopping for her. Amplified NN also helped a man who was extremely vulnerable at the time and the group helped sort the gas and bills for his home.

"People have just been really grateful that we've helped them. We helped about 100 people with food hampers and we provided 13 full Christmas meals for 13 families who couldn't afford them.

"Amplified NN also bought Christmas presents for children whose parents couldn't afford them last year, and the group also organised presents, all from local businesses, for the struggling parents to make them feel like they are valued."