TWO of Bradford's famous sons have kick started a campaign urging people in the District to stay at home during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Comedian and panto star Billy Pearce and England cricketer Adil Rashid are the first to sign up to the viral video messages of support to key workers working hard to maintain essential health and public services amid the growing challenges of coronavirus.
The duo have also taken the opportunity to reinforce the importance of the Government message to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.
They took time out of their own self-isolation to film a series of short video clips for use across social media.
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And they’re urging all of the key workers currently keeping the district running – from waste collectors and social workers to police officers, firefighters and NHS staff – to share their own stories of life on the front line of the coronavirus fight.
The initiative is part of Bradford Council’s campaign to reach out to every part of the community with key public health messages.
Bradford-born cricket World Cup winner Adil, who has won more than 100 international caps and whose Freedom of the City award has been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic, said it was vital the community continued to listen to the advice of experts and Government, and stay at home.
“Looking after ourselves, the elderly, and the youngsters will contribute massively towards getting everyone back on their feet and returning to normal lives,” he said.
“We all have to play our part as individuals by staying at home. It’s very important we do that as it so easy to go out there and catch it. And once you catch it, it spreads - and spreads fast.
“At this crucial time, please stay at home and listen to Government advice. Hopefully things will soon return to normal.”
Billy Pearce told his fans: “You have to be very careful and not go out and get this horrible virus. If you do, then all the lovely people of Bradford who are trying so hard to look after us will just find their job a lot harder.
“So please stay in the house, behave yourselves, and do as you’re told – and let’s hope they get it sorted soon, so I can be back on the stage at the Alhambra at Christmas!”
Bradford Council Leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “Coronavirus is impacting on the daily lives of all of us, as we all follow public health advice about staying at home, supporting our vulnerable relatives with self-isolation and venturing out only rarely.
“We are enormously grateful to Adil and Billy for taking the time to back our campaign, and recognising the amazing contribution of so many key workers and volunteers who are maintaining essential health and public services at this critical time.
“Whether you are a legend of cricket or comedy, it shows that we are all in this together.
“Like us, they are staying at home and following the very latest public health advice on isolation and social distancing.
“The more people who can share their videos across social media the better – please do so with the #StayHomeSaveLives and #TeamBradford hashtags.”
She added: “We are working with other famous sons and daughters of Bradford District to follow their lead, and build on this platform of public health advice to stay at home, wash your hands, and save lives.
“If we all continue to work together, and show Bradford’s community spirit, that will help us through the unprecedented times we live in. We’ll get through it by supporting each other.”
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