Over 200 key workers were nominated for special recognition from their community and a chance to win a coat for life from Barbour Chester.
Chester native, Dr. Will Orchard has been recognised for his efforts battling the coronavirus while showing incredible care and compassion to his patients.
More than 200 essential workers were nominated to win a Barbour wax coat donated by the family run Barbour partner store in Chester city centre. Nominees included nurses, teachers, shop workers, milkmen, and a funeral director.
Dr Orchard was nominated by his fiancé after the couple had to postpone their own wedding due to the outbreak. Having himself displayed symptoms and recovering, Will went straight back to work caring for others as soon as it was safe to do so.
Before earning his degree in medicine Dr. Orchard went to Kings school in Chester. He is currently Chief Registrar on the intensive care ward at Reading hospital. As a way of thanking essential workers, family run Barbour Chester donated a wax coat and scarf and organised a social media competition with support from CH1ChesterBID.
The competition winner was chosen by a random number generator. Dr. Orchard’s lucky number (13!) was drawn on the same day as his first patient made a recovery from COVID-19. Will had arranged for the patient’s dog to visit with him in the hospital garden to allow for a brief reunion. The patient hadn’t been outside for over a month and after six emotional weeks, it was a day of happy tears.
On finding out he was the winner of the Barbour wax coat Dr Will Orchard said:
“Today has been the best day in a long time! I cried earlier with joy over my patients recovery and again after finding out I had not only been nominated but also won this coat. Thank you so much for organising this competition, you made this key worker very happy indeed.”
Jane of Barbour Chester said:
“I have been absolutely blown away by some of the nominees and the response to this competition. We are so grateful for all the efforts of our key workers and could not be happier to be able to donate this prize to such a dedicated member of the NHS.”
The competition was facilitated by CH1ChesterBID as part of the #ChesterTogether campaign that is connecting businesses and locals to access services and supplies throughout lockdown and as restrictions lift.
To see all the city centre services listed on Chester’s Digital High Street Map as well as competitions and activities taking place as part of the #ChesterTogether campaign visit www.experiencechester.co.uk and follow @CH1ChesterBID on social media. To shop local with the Barbour Partner Store in Chester follow @mycountrycitystyle on social media.
