Date: 1st July 2020 - 2nd July 2020
Event Type: Family Friendly Events
Registration Fee: 3
Hft support workers care for over 2,500 people with learning disabilities. They, along with countless other local heroes, are working flat-out to support the most vulnerable people in our society during the Coronavirus pandemic. The #HftHeroes Virtual Balloon Race is a fun and easy way for you to show your appreciation for your heroes:
Buy a virtual balloon and dedicate it to your favourite hero (don’t forget to personalise the design to maximise its chances of winning!)
Follow its progress as it travels as far as it can through real-time weather conditions
If it finishes in the top 3 Hft balloons, we’ll send your hero a prize hamper to say thank you for everything they do
As a special bonus, if your balloon travels furthest overall, you could win yourself some fantastic prizes from Ecoracing too!
Balloons cost just £3 each and you can dedicate them to any local hero(es) you choose. Hft Support workers, NHS staff members, teachers, supermarket workers, good neighbours… there are many kinds of heroes in this pandemic. If you don’t have anyone specific in mind, we can randomly assign your balloon to one of our amazing Hft Support Workers.
For information about buying and designing your balloons, click here (link will open in a new tab)
All profits from this virtual balloon race will go directly to Hft’s Coronavirus pandemic fund, helping to ensure that people with learning disabilities and our frontline care staff are given the support they need during these difficult time
Huge thanks to everyone who has dedicated a balloon to a local hero. Check back regularly to read about our latest nominations (please allow two working days for your nomination to appear on this page).
Hero: Tom
Thank you for your vision of a cleaner, healthier environment for B&H residents and all your hard work towards achieving that goal.
Hero: Caroline
Thank you for your integrity and constant hard work in trying to build a better world for all in our society
Hero: Linzi
I am nominating my big sister, who works for Hft! She has always been my superhero!
Hero: Sue
Hero: Tracey
You are amazing! Thank you for everything. 🙂
Hero: Kimberley
You are amazing! Thank you for everything. 🙂
Hero: Nora
You are amazing! Thank you for everything. 🙂
Hero: Jodi
You are amazing! Thank you for everything. 🙂
Hero: Julia
You are amazing! Thank you for everything. 🙂
Hero: Graeme
Keep up all your hard work. You genuinely are an absolute superstar. I know times have been tough but the work you have done is amazing and I felt you finally deserved recognition for all you do. Take care and stay safe.
Hero: Nicola
For all the amazing support you’ve given me and the staff team over this stressful time. We couldn’t do it without you!
Hero: Sally
Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do. I appreciate it so much. You’re a star.
Hero: Peter
Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do. I appreciate it so much. You’re a star.
Hero: Donna
Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do. I appreciate it so much. You’re a star.
Hero: Carryann
Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do. I appreciate it so much. You’re a star.
Hero: Carly
Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do. I appreciate it so much. You’re a star.
Hero: Charlie
Charlie is a hero for continuing to go into houses, and her family are heroes for letting her! Thank you to all the family!
Hero: Cher
Cher and all the support staff at South Road, Bishop’s Stortford are my heroes!
Hero: Mel
We would like to thank Mel for being unfailingly cheerful and very caring during the many years that she has looked after Clare. She is always upbeat with Clare and that keeps her cheerful. She has been Clare’s key worker and frequently steps in to the breach when something personal to Clare needs attention. we have absolute trust in her.
Hero: Alice
Alice, your beautiful smile and heart make us smile each and every day. Your bravery, strength, naughtiness and your love for life make us so proud to be your parents. You are our amazing hero, daughter and best friend and we love you so very much. Mummy & Daddy. xxx
Hero: Meredith
Well done for being such a good girl at nursery xxx
Hero: Cora
Well done for going to school. you are a superstar. xxx
Hero: Women’s Day Services
A massive thank you from me for being such an amazing team. x
Hero: Wendy
You may not be able to be with us, but you are here for me when I need you and I can’t thank you enough for your support.
Hero: Naureen
I want to say a massive thank you for all your hard work and dedication, not just during this time but over the years. You truly have made a difference in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you.
Hero: Nicola
Your passion and love for the NHS is so admirable, you work so hard and are so dedicated. I’m very proud of you xx
Hero: Elaine
From secretary to frontline nurse working in ICU caring for COVID patients, you are a true star xxx
Hero: Jo
I’m nominating Jo for the support she gave to a person she supports in his final hours. He passed away from COVID-19 while his sisters were unable to visit him. Jo didn’t hesitate to stay with him and made sure that he had the comfort of being able to hear from both his sisters over the phone. I will be forever grateful for and in awe of the support provided. Thank you will never be enough… x
Heroes: Sea View Manor Team
You are heroes to me. Thank you for all your hard work, I really appreciate the way you have all pulled together and gone the extra mile to ensure that the people you support’s needs are met.
Hero: Julz
Thanks for always being so amazingly positive and up-beat, even during this very weird time. It’s a pleasure working with you! x
Hero: Paul
You’re a true hero! Thanks for always making the world a better, brighter place. xx
Hero: Emma
Thanks for all you’ve done to support all our fundraising for Hft. Your positivity and enthusiasm are awe-inspiring! x
Hero: Nora
Thanks for being you! You’ve been fantastic throughout this period and I’ve really appreciated all your support. x
Heroes: Reuben and Faith
For being super-lovely superstars, always! x
Hero: Jake
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but especially in yours! Thanks for making lockdown so much more bearable! xx
Heroes: Anna, Mark, Elita, Jack and Jake
Because not leaving your house for two whole months is pretty heroic in my book (especially for you!). x
Hero: Laura
Thanks for all you do to support the Edenbridge community – you’re a true superstar!
Heroes: Hft support staff
“To all my colleagues working on the front line, I would like to say a massive thank you for the fantastic support you are giving, to some of the most vulnerable people in society. You have hearts as big as buckets!”
Heroes: Sue, Robyn, Kerry and Gia
“The support staff at Cloud Cuckoo Land have gone above and beyond keeping my sister and her friends safe. Sue, Robyn, Kerry and Gia, thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are my heroes.”
Hero: Sarah
“She is one of the most hardworking people I know, my mother. She works for the NHS and no matter what, no job is too big for her. I’m so proud of her it makes me honoured to be her daughter.”
Heroes: Charlie, Chris, Brioney and Oana
“For stepping up and working around the clock to provide a visible senior presence in our service; putting the needs of the people we support first and being prepared to do whatever is necessary to help them through these difficult times”.
Hero: Hannah
“Hannah was thrown in at the deep end when her manager left and she took on the role. She’s had some challenges to deal with but has supported her staff team and the people they support brilliantly. I for one think she is brilliant and I know that her team have appreciated all her support”.
Hero: Bobby
“For taking on additional responsibilities when needed and for working with Morrisons to secure donations of food, which he delivered safely in his own time.”
Hero: Shaizeen
“For supporting someone through rapid health decline, supporting someone else to attend virtual counselling sessions and still finding the time and enthusiasm to organise social distancing events in the garden.”
Hero: Najma
“For positively and compassionately supporting people through ill-health and times of grief, and for taking on additional managerial responsibilities when necessary to ensure that all the people we support were safe”
Heroes: Thimali and Aimee
“Thimali and Aimee have been invaluable to us since they joined the team in January. They both adapted quickly to the crisis and have worked hard to ensure that everything happened that needed to.”
Hero: Denise
“For being incredibly flexible and moving to wherever she has been most needed during the pandemic. She’s always ready to help out and has worked tirelessly to support people with learning disabilities, including implementing new activities to ease the strain of lockdown.”
Hero: Marie
“Marie has shown real commitment in supporting the team and people we support in this difficult time. She has ensured that the people we support are safe, found creative ways to help them communicate with their families and can continue to enjoy good quality of life.”
Hero: Emma
“Emma has shown real commitment during this period and worked tirelessly in the office to make sure our rotas have been able to meet the ever changing needs of our services and ensure the safety of the people we support”
Hero: Sundeep
“Sundeep has done amazing work, making sure everyone is safe and that his teams are well led and supported.”
Hero: Rachel
“Rachel has done amazing work during the crisis. She’s worked really hard to keep everyone safe and lead the teams effectively.”
Hero: Charlie
“All I can say is well done! You’re doing an amazing job in one of our most complex services.”
Hero: Charlotte
“For doing an amazing job keeping everyone safe, fit and healthy during the pandemic. She oversees one of our most complex services and all I can say is well done.”
Hero: Linda
“I want you to know how much I appreciate you and all of your help. You are the strongest, most compassionate person I know. You’re the best. x”
Hero: Lisa
“Your dedication to your work at Hft, the charities you support and the feeding and supporting of the homeless is amazing. I am so proud of all you do and who you are. You truly make a positive difference in this world. You are my hero :)”
Hero: Sharon
“Sharon is an amazing assistant manager. She supports the service fantastically well and is always there with a great sense of humour and advice when needed, helping to support our members during this difficult period of adaption and change. Thank you!”
Hero: Karen
“Karen has worked so hard during the pandemic, adapting our service seamlessly during very difficult times. Thank you so much for your continued support, guidance and friendship. Keep up the amazing work! :)”
Hero: Neil
“Neil is a super volunteer and has worked extremely hard during the pandemic as a telephone buddy to ensure his peers feel listened to and cared for. He provides a talking service once a week to five members. Well done Neil, keep up the good work! :-)”
Hero: Stephanie
“For being a ray of sunshine and working during the pandemic supporting members and workers with amazing business support skills! Thank you. :-)”
Hero: Halina
“For always being amazingly calm and working through the pandemic to support everyone. You always cheer me up and brighten my day (and are the business support oracle!). Thank you! :-)”
Hero: Jodi
“Just think she’s awesome”
Hero: David
“In recognition of your services to both the people we support, and Hft’s social media presence!”
Hero: Linzi
“Linzi puts absolutely everything into her role with Hft, and she still finds time for her family and loved ones. So proud to know you, Linzi x”
Hero: Sophie
“Sophie is a nurse and is working extremely hard through these crazy times, along with being pregnant with her first baby on the way.”
Hero: Laura
“We are so very proud of the work you are continuing to do throughout this crisis. You are our own superhero!”
Hero: Lee
“The Mask(ed) Destroyer on the road again”
Hero: Hayley
“Love you girl xx”
Hero: Laura
“My sister works for a district nurse team for the NHS and she is a true hero working on the COVID-19 team”
Hero: Hayley
“Well done for working through all this covid pandemic. Go Hayley, go Hayley, go Hayley!! “
Hero: Selina
“Selina has been really supportive and caring throughout the pandemic, making sure that all of the team are OK, and feel supported in what has been a really challenging time”
Hero: Laura
“Laura has been super proactive in adapting what she does to make sure that people with learning disabilities are getting the support they need. She’s been innovative and creative and has risen to the challenge amazingly!”
Hero: Lily
“Lily has been working on the frontline at a hospital in London and is just the most wonderful person, putting the needs of others before her own and soldiering on through this weird time!”
Hero: Tracy
“Tracy has been out and about every week delivering much needed food/supplies to the Holocaust survivors across Leeds and checking in to make sure they’re all OK. She’s a total hero!”
Hero: Trish
“You’ve been an absolute superstar throughout the coronavirus pandemic and have worked really hard to make sure that Hft can continue delivering amazing services to all the people they support.“
Hero: Sarah
“Hang on in there petal…”
Hero: Sheria
“Thank you”
Hero: Catherine
“For my lovely sister, working for the police to keep us all safe. xx”
Hero: Helen
“For my lovely sister, working for the NHS and keeping us all safe. xx”
Heroes: Nicky, Susie, Clare and Emma
“Thank you all very much for working so hard in this troubled time. I am sorry I was not in Lympne with you all, but you all pulled together and made sure that our staff and the people we support were kept safe. You truly are a fantastic team of RCMs and I am SO PROUD OF YOU. xxxx Wendy”
Hero: Sascha
“Thanks for going all-out to support someone who is having a particularly rough time right now.”
Hero: Donna
“Your determination and enthusiasm shines through each day and is brighter than ever before at this difficult time. Nothing is ever too much, and your dedication to the people we support and their families is truly amazing.”
Hero: Ben
“We’re all so glad you’re feeling better now!”
Heroes: Hft’s staff team at Cemetery Road
“Despite grieving yourselves, you’ve gone above and beyond to help the people you support through coronavirus and bereavement. Thank you.”
Hero: John
“For coming up with creative ideas like a cross-service baking competition for the people we support, making lockdown more fun for everyone!”
Hero: Marie
“For giving up your free time to help someone you support say their final goodbyes to a close friend during lockdown”
Hero: Pamela
“Thanks for moving in with [someone Hft supports] for a week; making sure they received the care they needed whilst reducing the risk to other Hft staff members of contracting coronavirus”
Hero: Selina
“Thanks for all your support for, and encouragement of, the Hft fundraising team during a difficult and uncertain period. It’s been appreciated!”