Bradford’s most memorable moments from lockdown

It’s a period of time none of are likely to forget, as families were separated and coronavirus cases continued to climb.

While it’s been a frightening and uncertain time, many have tried to see the positive in the situation by making memories and doing some good for their local community.

Let’s take a look back at some of the most notable news headlines in Bradford.

Panic buyers stripped the shelves bare

Empty supermarket shelves were a common sight in lockdown (Yuk Mok/PA)

(Yui Mok/PA)

When coronavirus cases began to surge and greater lockdown restrictions were imposed in March, Brits started to stockpile supplies.

Pasta and toilet roll were some of the most sought after items and shelves in supermarkets across the country were often stripped of these items.

Bradford shops were no exception, as Telegraph and Argus readers sent in pictures of empty shelves in their local supermarkets.

One woman said she was struggling to find baby milk and another claimed she was worried about running out of nappies.

Local residents raised money

(Facebook/ Mohammad Chin-Chan)

Who can forget when war veteran, 99-year-old Tom Moore, raised over £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps around his garden?

He wasn’t the only Brit with good intentions- many people across the UK decided to follow in his footsteps and begin their own fundraiser.

63-year-old Mohammad Chin-Chan is a Bradford man who served in the same army regiment as Captain Tom Moore.

He ran five kilometers every day in Ramadan and managed to raise over £1,100 for the NHS.

Speaking to The Telegraph and Argus, he said: “A day before Ramadan, I was watching Captain Tom Moore on the news, and he inspired me to do my own fundraising.”

“I started running on day one of Ramadan, setting myself a target of running 5k every day, against the clock, whilst also fasting.”
 

Pubs reopened

(Credit: Google Maps)

Many pub-goers were dismayed when the government announced that pubs must close to control the coronavirus spread, at the end of March.

However, on the 4th of July pubs could open their doors once again- but there were stricter social distancing measures in place.

Rob Dalewicz, owner of 99 & Main in Bingley, spoke to The Telegraph and Argus.

He said: “The only thing we have found difficult is not necessarily the guidance it’s getting the equipment and the cost of the equipment to protect the bar.

"It’s running to hundreds and hundreds of pounds.”

We clapped for the NHS

Gary Wainwright

Did you clap for carers at 8pm on Thursday during lockdown?

This heart-warming event took place in March and people across the UK clapped on their doorsteps and gardens as a symbol of their support to care staff and NHS frontline workers.

However, one Bradford man went a step further by dressing up and raising money for NHS charities.

Gary Wainwright, from Halifax Road, appeared in a new costume every Thursday- he managed to raise over £500 for a new defibrillator in Westwood Park Community Hospital.