Communities, business owners and families have been appreciating the NHS and each other during the coronavirus pandemic.

Villages, bakers and nursery children across Medway are just some of the individuals supporting key workers at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Louise Malone, the owner of Gillingham-based Cakes and Buffets Inspired by Lou, has made more than 200 cupcakes for staff on the Tennyson and Arethusa wards at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Along with her husband, Gary, her two daughters, Evie and Erin McDermott, and her customers' donations, Louise was able to not only bake cakes but also auction a big Easter hamper alongside a second hamper which was given to the hospital.

Louise said: "We wanted to bake cakes for the NHS staff at Medway Maritime Hospital to show our appreciation for all of their hard work and extreme hours they are giving to save lives.

"Our friends, Kevin and Michelle Gould donated a generous amount of money for Arethusa ward, where Kevin's auntie, Alison Martin, works.

"I'm making these cupcakes almost every day, whenever I have a moment spare. Evie recently broke her arm and when she went to Medway Maritime Hospital they looked after her so well, so we just wanted to give something back."

Villagers are also trying to keep morale high.

Wouldham, on the banks of the River Medway, transformed a Christmas tree on the green into an Easter tree.

Children made cardboard eggs to decorate it.

The Easter Bunny then placed more than 80 plastic eggs around the green with goodies inside for the children. With careful supervision from their parents, the children observed the distancing rules and were rewarded by finding the treats.

Terry Bell, who has been a resident of the village for 11 years, said: "Anne-Marie Church and Theresa Gray have also set up, and are running, their own food bank with donations from residents, local supermarkets and shops.

"All of this is off their own backs and they are doing a very good job. Bags to deliver the food have also been donated by a local club.

"This all goes to prove you can not kill a village community, either with a deadly virus or anything else.

"The villagers of Wouldham would like to express their thanks to our own Easter Bunny, and hope everyone remains safe and well during these very trying times."

Barnsole Primary School in Gillingham has also been spreading joy throughout the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The closed school took to Twitter to share an aerial shot of Barnsole’s rainbow, taken with a drone camera.

A rainbow has become a popular symbol of joy, happiness and support of the NHS.

A day nursery staying open to support key workers has been keeping in touch with children via songs and stories online.

As a result of many happy reactions, Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Walderslade wanted to share this with the whole community and help raise money for the NHS.

Nursery worker Ruth Baker said: "As a nursery, we would really like our children, families and community to come together to help raise money for the NHS.

"A lot of children are missing their nurseries and schools due to lockdown, so we want to bring them together in song."

To take part, you must make a video of your children singing a nursery rhyme/song, which can then be sent to the nursery's Facebook page to be uploaded, along with a donation to the Go Fund Me page.

You can check out the videos already sent to the Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery here.

Also supporting the community is Tim Parsons, from Byron Road, Gillingham, who is the author of the Paramedic Chris books.

The series explores the day-to-day role of a paramedic and is inspired by real calls father-of-three Tim has been out on in his role as a chaplain serving hard-working paramedics

Children can learn valuable lessons about our important community helpers and what happens when you call an ambulance.

The character of Chris is based on Tim's friend, paramedic Chris Treves.

Tim is now using sales of the audio books to raise cash to support those in need.

He said: "I am aware a lot of charities are suffering at this time, so 50% of the Paramedic Chris children's book series on audio shall be donated to Shooting Star children's hospices and Medway Foodbank."

You can buy the books at www.timparsons.co.uk/store

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