Westport Vets: Local Hero Awards

Westport Vets in Linlithgow are recognising and honouring acts of kindness in and around Linlithgow.

One of our Registered Veterinary Nurses, Carena Schmid, came up with the idea for the Local Hero Awards after the coronavirus lockdown began. We were posting and sharing information and links to help keep both pets and children entertained during the lockdown period, one of which was a children’s ‘Be Kind’ poster competition. All entries were wonderfully decorated and beautifully captured the children’s imagination and view of what “Be Kind” means to them.

And with one particular entry, for five year-old Lily, there was a message from her mum, Lori Grant, which caught our attention.

She mentioned that Lily had done lots of pictures but instead of entering them in our competition, she had chosen to donate them all to Linlithgow Care Home to bring some cheer to the residents - Lily’s own ‘little act of kindness’.

Lily taking part om Westport Vet's Saturday Lockdown Challenge of photographing pets with a teddy bear

This is why Lily is the first Westport Vet’s Local Hero. In troubled times, these ‘little acts of kindness’, to those who receive them are not little by any means and can have a positive and powerful impact on daily life, bringing others a smile just by knowing someone is thinking of them.

When informed of Lily’s award, her mum Lori told us: “She gave them her pictures in case they were sad they couldn’t see their grandkids not because she wanted recognition … she is just a little girl with a heart of gold for both people and animals.”

Lily’s brother Mark (age 10) also contributed sending the residents drawings of trains, and together they decorated their driveway with a message of thanks to the NHS.

Lily and Mark's driveway message of thanks to the NHS

Linlithgow Care Home, who received Lily and Mark’s pictures said: “We are very grateful for all the good wishes and kindnesses shown to us recently during these strange times. “The pictures we are receiving from local children are lovely and are being displayed throughout the Home - our Residents love them. It’s so nice to know people in the community are thinking of us.” We at Westport Vets aim to recognise and celebrate acts of kindness in our local community and also help to support local businesses in it. So each month Westport Vet’s Local Hero will receive a certificate of recognition and a treat for themselves at one of the local business.

If you would like to nominate someone for Westport Vet’s Local Hero Awards, please email us with details and their act of kindness to: heroes@westportvets.com

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com 8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU