Tingley dad nominated for Big Thank You Award for creating 'kindness' movement in south Leeds

Dan Frank, 36, initially set up a Facebook group for the Tingley, Ardsley and Thorpe area, in south Leeds, to encourage ‘viral kindness’ when the pandemic broke out, in a bid to connect those in need with those who could help.

But the project touched the hearts of many in the community and such was the level of interest, he went on to create the ‘WF3 Kindness’ platform, leading a team of volunteers who now provide vital support to the most vulnerable people and families in the area.

WF3 Kindness has also since gained charitable status thanks to a link up with the Morley and District Lions Club.

Over the past seven months, Dan and army of volunteers have helped over 1,200 individuals in the local area, from shopping and prescription pick-ups in the early days through to delivering over 100 food packages, 130 ‘kindness’ packages - “for those going through in particular hardship”, over 250 packs of toiletries to NHS staff and patients, half-term packed lunches to children, as well as emotional support through a volunteer counsellor and employability workshops for job hunters.

Dan, who lives with wife Sarah and son Oliver, four, also juggles a full-time day job, working in IT for law firm DLA Piper where is also charity partner account manager.

He was nominated for a Big Thank You Award - which aims to shine a light on the heroes who have made a difference during the pandemic - by one of the many people WF3 Kindness has helped, who wrote: “The list is endless - they basically do anything they can to support us,” adding: “We could never thank him enough but it would be nice for him to be recognised.”

Dan said he was moved to receive the nomination but stressed the success of WF3 Kindness has been down to the community.

He said: “I never thought for one second it would take off the way it has. I started the Facebook group just saying, if people need help then other people could see that and offer help.

"But we were inundated with volunteer requests.”

Over 5,000 leaflets were quickly distributed within the community, advertising WF3 Kindness and its services, as well as other local offers of help.

Dan said: “That was fantastic. We had maps on our kitchen table, sending out streets to everyone and over 35 people handed out leaflets. It was community at its best.”

He said: “On all of this, I haven’t had to push. I’m humbled to be nominated for this award and I know it needed someone to pull it together, but people have been amazing.”

A Christmas project in the pipeline is making sure every child in the area gets a present from Father Christmas - with any families who are struggling encouraged to contact WF3 Kindness through the website.

Dan said WF3 Kindness is “better than I ever imagined it would be” adding: “It’s just been fantastic. Tingley, Ardsley and Thorpe can be really really proud of what they have done. People have been fantastic and we wouldn’t have been able to help the people we have helped or done the things we have done without people supporting us.

“It’s down to every single person that’s helped everyone.

“I think Tingley, Ardsley and Thorpe is a much better community than perhaps it was in February and I would like that to continue. We need to look after our neighbours, look after people who we live and work with and walk amongst. That’s our motto.”

For more information visit https://www.wf3kindness.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.