18 Feb 2022 | Posted by Courtney Chandler
After realising many of her neighbours were feeling lonely and isolated, Paighton put her thinking and crafting skills to the test as she wanted them to 'feel happy again'.
Despite having several conditions that has led to five separate surgeries on her hands, Paighton has not been fazed and only wished her neighbours didn’t feel alone during the festive season.
Paighton’s supportive mum ,Bryony Lockyer, said: “Paighton saw stories all over the news about vulnerable people finding it tough and being alone, and she wanted to help out. I'm very proud of the caring and thoughtful person Paighton is.”
From breaking news on television to making a vision become a reality, Paighton struck a chord with the people in her community.
In 2020, she started bringing joy to residents during the isolating pandemic and, what seem to some, the endless lockdown.
Paighton said: “I didn’t realise just how much of what I was doing meant to the residents. I wanted to do something nice for the community and help people who were lonely through lockdown at Christmas.”
But this was no average Christmas carolling visit. Instead, Paighton went above and beyond with her sack full of festive goodies and delivered mince pies, cookies, handmade cards and many more gifts.
She said: “Me and my mum counted how many houses there were and took mince pies, cookies, and Christmas cards that we made.”
The kind gesture raised Christmas spirits and painted a smile on every single person Paighton visited. And just to be extra safe, Paighton, all merry and bright, greeted residents with gloves and masks on and sanitiser at hand.
But she didn’t stop there. Paighton said: “After Christmas, I asked Mum if we could do something else because the country was back in lockdown.
“We made it a monthly thing after that. I enjoyed it so much and got to know the residents pretty well.”
The community was spoilt with yummy cakes and one gluten free, crossword puzzle books, wordsearch books, reading books, homemade gifts, cards and easter eggs. Paighton also gifted people with a jar of happy thoughts where they can take a note out of the jar every day and read an inspiring and motivating message. The list does go on.
On a hot summers day, Paighton hired an ice cream van for the community to enjoy free ice cream. She said: “Over Summer, it was really hot so we hired an ice cream van for the day and sent out invitations to all the residents the week before it was due.
“I enjoyed this because they all came out to see me and talk to me.”
As much as Paighton helped the people living in her community, she says they helped her. Humble and kind, Paighton said: “It makes me feel proud that I made a difference to them, but I enjoyed our time just as much!
“And it helped me too. I had something to look forward to every month and it kept me busy through lockdown making things for them.
“I knew that once a month, they would see a friendly face and have someone to talk to. They didn't feel as lonely and I think they liked talking to me as much as I liked talking to them.”
Sadly, the monthly tradition has come to a halt as Paighton and her family have now moved from their home in rural Gainsborough to Grimsby. Paighton reminisces: “I listened to them as they told me stories and I tried my best to make them feel happy and loved when it was not safe for them to go outside.”
“They have so many interesting things to say!”
However, this isn’t the end as they plan to go back and visit during the school holidays!
Bryony said: “Paighton adapted so well and tries so hard with everything she does.
“She works very hard and does struggle at times, but her drive and determination amazes me. Her need to make other people happy encourages me about the person she will grow up to be.
“She's not had it easy, but her future is bright!” And bright it will be.
Paighton has been awarded the Young Person of the Year Award for the impact she has had on the community and people during the pandemic. Congratulations!
Watch Paighton's video here.
Nomination for Our Heroes 2022 are now open! Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond. Has somebody inspired and motivated you? If they've achieved great things, submit a nomination form today.