A KIND-HEARTED volunteer has been recognised in the King's New Year's Honours list for her dedication to helping residents in Southminster.

Kelly Coombs, 50, from Southminster has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for working tirelessly to increase morale around the Dengie during the height of the Covid pandemic.

In January 2021, during a lockdown, Kelly set up the Dengie Kindness Group Facebook page.

She also wanted to find a way to give back to NHS workers and emergency services, so launched the Hero Hug Bags.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Large hamper: hamper for Burnham Ambulance Station and paramedics Photo: Kelly Coombs

She said: “We were in Covid lockdown and morale was very low among our wonderful local key workers.

“The Dengie community came together and demonstrated their kindness and generosity.

"It gave people a purpose that they could all be part of.”

Volunteers helped to put together 325 hampers, which were distributed around the Dengie to essential key workers.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Morrisons workers: Morrisons Maldon Community Champion and Team Photo: Kelly Coombs

Kelly said: “It really boosted their morale during a very challenging time and they were overwhelmed to know that their community had thought about them and showed them kindness.”

The group now has more than 1,100 members and has raised money for Ukraine, donated cages to Maldon Promenade Zoo following a fire and donated hampers to Maldon, Tillingham, Burnham and South Woodham Ferrers fire stations after the long summer heatwave.

But the work doesn’t stop there as they continue to put hampers together for NHS staff at Broomfield and St Peters Hospital and the ambulance staff in Burnham, Maldon and Chelmsford.

Upon receiving her honour, Mrs Coombs said: “It’s been truly heart-warming and overwhelming to be recognised by His Majesty in his first New Year’s Honours List.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Thanking Police: Maldon Police station staff Photo: Kelly Coombs

“When I opened the email from the Cabinet Office, I thought it was a hoax. When I realised it was real, I was in total shock.

“I honestly could not have achieved the BEM without the kindness, generosity and support of the Dengie Community where I am so lucky to live and work.

“Thank you for everyone’s continuing support.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted – in a world where you can be anything be kind, as kindness is a gift that everyone can afford.”