Local Nurse Wins 'Gardens For Guardians' for Covid work

CHRISTMAS has Come early for 1 lucky family in Bootle after they were gifted a free garden upgrade in Gardens For Guardians. The nationwide campaign was set up by land management Company Greenbelt to say thank you to NHS employees who've been helping the UK stay safe throughout the Covid19 Pandemic.

29 year old mum Crystal Stephen is a Nurse who works in the A&E department of Aintree Hospital. Her partner Carl is a Civil Engineer and CCTV operator working for United Utilities, carrying out urgent work to keep waterways safe 24 hours a day. They have 2 year old old daughter Sienna and live in Greenbelt's Stirling Chase development.

Crystal says:- "A few years ago we were lucky enough to buy our 1st home. We were just getting used to living in our house, slowly room by room making it our home then the Pandemic hit. Our lives became a whirlwind, with both of us working shifts and Sienna attending Nursery. It's been a strain at times and often it felt like we were ships passing in the night! Unfortunately, getting around to improving our garden had to take a back seat, to be fair, we wouldn't have had the time to enjoy it during such a hectic period of our lives."

Crystal says the family is finally getting to spend time together again, and the garden makeover is making a huge difference. "We felt so overwhelmed to be chosen to have our garden upgraded. We're so proud of all the hard work that's been put in to make this happen, especially due to the hard times we're still facing at the moment with Covid19."

Greenbelt Managing Director Colin Thomson said:- "It's been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but especially so for key frontline workers such as Crystal. Through Gardens For Guardians, we want to applaud their courage, determination and, with Covid19 still affecting us, their unstinting endurance. We're especially delighted we've been able to give Crystal, Carl and Sienna a space where they can relax together and enjoy all of the benefits being outdoors brings. We wish them the very best and, indeed, hope all our NHS heroes are able to enjoy a Happy Christmas and a truly different New Year!"

Crystal adds:- "For us, as a family, to have a nice place to relax and unwind is unreal. The thought of having space for Sienna to play safely, somewhere we could sit at the end of the day without having to plan or do ourselves, somewhere we could instantly make the most of the rest of this year and enjoy in the future, that is a dream Come true. My little girl is over the moon she can always play outdoors with no mud in sight! We really appreciate everything everyone at Greenbelt has done."

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging people to take extra care when using candles after 5 house fires in 1 week caused by tea lights and candles. The most recent; which occurred in Edge Hill, in the early hours of Thursday, 3 December 2020; resulted in 1 person ending up in Hospital and the property severely damaged.  4 other house fires, in Tranmere, Gateacre, Netherley and Bootle, were also caused by candles that had Come into contact with flammable materials after being left unattended. Mark Thomas Group Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said:- "Fortunately, in these 5 incidents, the residents were not seriously injured but a number of these were serious fires that could have resulted in serious injury or even loss of life. With around a quarter of all fires started by candles attended by fire and rescue services nationally result in death or injury, MFRS is urging people to be extra vigilant when using candles."

Group Manager Thomas said:- "With winter under way and Christmas approaching, we know that many people are using candles to give their home that warm, cosy glow in the evening. But candles can be extremely dangerous, as these incidents show, if not used correctly. To prevent candle fires from starting in your home, you should make sure candles are placed in heat resistant holders and kept away from Combustible materials like curtains, carpets and other fabrics. Don't place tea lights or candles directly onto bedside tables, bath tubs or televisions unless they are in a holder. Always ensure candles are fully extinguished when you leave the room, even if just for a moment, and NEVER leave candles lit when you go to bed. The safest way to use candles and tea lights is to use LED battery operated ones instead of ordinary ones, but please make sure the batteries cannot be accessed by children or pets."

Smoke alarms undoubtedly saved the day in the majority of these candle fires, alerting the occupiers to the fire quickly before it could take hold. Group Manager Thomas added:- "The most important step you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to ensure your home has working smoke alarms. This is absolutely vital. Working smoke alarms can give you the time you need to escape. Remember, in the event of a fire; get out, stay out and call:- 999."

Top tips for staying safe with candles:-

► Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they're out Completely at night.

► Place your candles carefully. Take extra care with candles if you have children and pets – they can easily knock candles over or get burned. Make sure to place candles on a stable surface well away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.

► Avoid lighting candles with matches. There is a risk of dropping the match into the candle which can cause 'double wicking' and cause the candle to burn faster and hotter than it is designed.

► Do not move candles once they are lit.

► Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare

► Burn candles in a well ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.

► Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.

► Fit smoke alarms and test them now and monthly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call:- 999.

► Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur practise your escape route.

For free fire safety advice, or to request a home fire safety check, please call:- 08007315958. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 and over. Due to Covid19, risk assessments will be carried out over the phone before any home visits can be arranged.