Leeds cafe owner who prepared meals for NHS staff in Covid-19 lockdown is nominated for Big Thank You Award

When the pandemic forced the sudden closure of Ira Silverman’s cafe Ira B’s, on Chelwood Drive, Moortown, the 56-year-old decided to roll up her sleeves and cook the food she still had left in her kitchen into meals for hospital workers on the Covid intensive care wards and general wards.

As word spread, Ira began to receive cash donations to continue her incredible project and soon she had a daily production line of meals for staff at St James’, Leeds General Infirmary and Chapel Allerton hospitals.

She went from working three days a week pre-lockdown, to a full-on seven days a week and was able to deliver 40 meals every day to one of the hospitals for over two months.

Ira said: “I was trying to spread the love.

“They were wearing PPE for 12 hours and didn’t have time to shop. At least that way they could take it and either have it when they’re on a break or a lot of the nurses were taking it home for their dinner.”

Ira was put forward for the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Big Thank You Awards - which aim to shine a light on the heroes who have made a difference during the pandemic - in a nomination which read: “She gave all her time freely and sometimes worked 20 hour days to cook and then deliver food.”

The nomination added: "Many staff did not go home for several weeks and this help made such a difference.”

Ira said, having lived life at “a million miles an hour” before lockdown, it felt right to keep going even though her cafe had had to shut.

She said: “It gave me a purpose, I have always been involved with a lot of charity work.

“It was all made with love, all made from scratch.”

Her cafe has remained closed since the pandemic broke out, as Ira says it's too small to socially distance diners, but she does provide a takeaway service.

She has also served up her famous Jewish chicken soup for her local community, with an honesty box for donations.

Ira said: “It’s known as ‘Penicillin’, it’s a consommé, and it cures. I made takeaway six pots - which normally sell for £6 - and I put 30 outside Ira B’s and 30 outside my family home in High Ashes with an honest box.

“I raised £600. It was amazing. People still stop me and give me cash.”

Ira said she was surprised and humbled to receive the nomination for the YEP's Big Thank You Awards.

“I’m just shocked to be honest. I didn't expect it. I feel privileged - I didn’t do it for recognition,” she said.

For more information on Ira B’s visit http://www.ira-bs.co.uk/

The Yorkshire Evening Post launched The Big Thank You Awards sponsored by Sovereign Health Care, to salute those who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.

The Big Thank You Awards aim to recognise the heroic efforts of key workers, neighbours, families and friends who have been working, often behind the scenes, to keep us safe and healthy.

Anyone is eligible to win an award - from NHS staff to local shopkeepers or volunteers.

We are asking people to nominate their heroes for a Big Thank You Award. Nominations are open until November 12 and are submitted online at: www.bigthankyouawards.co.uk.

Russ Piper, CEO of Sovereign Health Care, said: “Sovereign Health Care was established almost 150 years ago to help the people of Yorkshire access healthcare services and we have remained true to this founding principle. Now, more than ever before, the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities is at the forefront.

“Over the last eight months, we have seen healthcare and key workers become quiet heroes against the incredibly challenging backdrop of the pandemic. These awards are an important opportunity to thank these amazing people and to tell their stories at a time when we all need hope and inspiration. We are delighted to be involved.”

Data Facilities, national NICEIC approved contractor and specialist in all electrical compliance disciplines, has also kindly sponsored the awards.

Readers will be given the chance to pick 10 winners from a shortlist of 30. Winners will be presented with their awards during a virtual ceremony on Friday, December 11 at 7pm.