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Martin and Ronan Kemp surprise founder of online support group with Specsavers Smilemaker award

Posted onPosted on 8th Feb

The founder of an online support group helping people in Mansfield and Ashfield cope with the coronavirus pandemic has been surprised by a national award.

Joanne Barfield was named a Specsavers Smilemaker winner and received a special video telephone call from famous father and son duo Martin and Roman Kemp.

The actor and former pop star and his radio presenter son called Joanne to thank her for setting up and spearheading the work of the Mansfield and Ashfield Area Support Group on Facebook.

Roman said: “We want to say a massive well done (to the support group). Joanne and all the team, well done. You have won a Specsavers award because you have brought smiles to the community and done a cracking job over the last year. Well done.”

Martin added: “Congratulations. Carry on the great work.”

Specsavers set up the award to celebrate local heroes who have raised smiles and helped people in their community feel more connected through the past year.

Joanne said: “I was nominated for a Specsavers Smilemaker award and can’t believe I won. It came as a total surprise and I’m truly overwhelmed.”

She said she had accepted the award also on behalf of the administrators who help her run the website — Lisa Angell, Helen Capewell, Stephanie Parkes and Denise Starkey — and every member who “helped our community to smile where they didn’t think they would again.”

Joanne added: “A massive well done to everyone and thank you for everything.”

She set up Mansfield and Ashfield Area Support Group almost a year ago, just before the start of the first coronavirus lockdown when some items were low on stock in shops.

Joanne, of Skegby, said she wanted the support group to be a place where “we can all share help and support the elderly and the vulnerable in our community”.

Since then the group has attracted more than 7,500 members and has helped people in need thanks to the devotion of Joanne and its administrators — and the generosity of members.

The group has been a reminder that “there are still good people out there” as members have fetched shopping for those who can’t go out, collected medicines, promoted the delivery services of local businesses, helped families in urgent need and much more.

Joanne added: “Members have joined together to bring a real community spirit back. It’s such a positive group.”