Last week I managed to see Mrs F, as soon as lockdown restrictions were lifted. After shielding for the recommended twelve weeks, Mrs F felt it was safe to finally venture outside for the first time. Of course, it was good to see her, but I was and still am, sceptical about the lifting of restrictions so soon, especially for the most vulnerable in society. This deadly virus is still about  and isn't going anywhere soon.

Chatting with her, it was clear that she hadn't enjoyed her forced isolation. Like most older people, she spends a lot of the time on her own in any event, so the last three months of this pandemic have just highlighted her vulnerability. I sensed that she just needed someone to talk to, so took some time out from work briefly, to have a chat to her on her way home.

Mrs F is always a joy to talk to, with so many stories to tell and I always appreciate her company, so seeing her face light up, as I had a brief conversation was a joy to be seen. She explained that she didn't speak to family as much as she would like and always looked forward to seeing me at work. Of course working in a customer focused environment, you do come across many people on a daily basis and each of us who work in the department, have customers who come in just to see us, each day. We can and do take the time to speak with each person for as long as they need, and they value the small talk. During this pandemic I have seen many people who live alone, coming in for a quick tête-à-tête, while they pick up their essential shopping. This was a life line for many, and I am glad all of us were able to help create a feeling of normality at a time of crisis.

Last Sunday I phoned Mrs F, as I will later today, just to see how she is; I was able to spend a little more time than usual listening to her. Despite her only living a short walk away, I have said I will not come to her home, just in case I carry anything along I shouldn't. I am mindful of this virus at every juncture and continue to social distance, sanitize my hands and refrain from greeting in the usual way. When we talked a few days before, we stood the regulatory two meters apart, only elbow bumping briefly as she went about her day. This is hard for everyone, especially people like Mrs F, but it is necessary to ensure all of us are spared any heartache in the future.

I still remain unable to see my father and other family members but when the time is right I will see them all again. I no longer trust this Government or its motives - when they told us it was safe to socialise at a limited level, I continued to keep my distance, as I still do now. The way they have acted throughout this crisis is been reprehensible, moving too slow to shut down and too quick to reopen. I will continue to do what I consider to be right, even if it means I am following a different path to others.

I was recently contacted by a friend in Gran Alacant, Spain, where Darrell and I used to live, who explained the COVID-19 situation there. It seems that the urbanization has had an outbreak of Coronavirus and local residents are being asked to follow strict guidelines in order to bring any upsurge under control. I have no idea what is going on there on the ground, but it is a pointer as to what expect everywhere across the World in the future. We have done remarkably well in Portsmouth, keeping the virus at bay, but if we are not careful we will see a second spike and people like Mrs F will once again have to shield.

I will continue to do the right thing, probably until we have a vaccine in place to stop COVID-19. However, I am lucky to work in an environment, where I come into contact with customers and can maintain friendships and relationships with some truly wonderful characters. I am happy they are returning to normal life once again but always, always conscious of the threat that still lurks in the shadows. Every one of us should do what we can to stay close with our loved ones and look forward to a time, without the presence of Coronavirus in our midst! We should also treat this virus with the respect it deserves and avoid its manipulative path at all costs, keeping safe and staying as far away from others as we possibly can. Remember COVID continues to kill at an alarming rate and all of us are potential targets!

First day back at Cancer Research today, after a four-month break. It was great to see so many familiar faces and although the 'new normal' prevented us from working in exactly the same way we were used to, we did our best to carry on as best we could. It was good to know fiends and colleagues hadn't changed a bit, each with their own lockdown story to tell, but like me, everyone was pleased to be back, making money for Cancer Research UK!

All of us have different reasons for volunteering; for many spending time with others is important, especially if they live alone. Cancer Research promotes friendships and encourages volunteers to form bonds, that they wouldn't otherwise have had. COVID-19 put a stop to social interaction and many of my colleagues have spent the last sixteen weeks alone. Coming back to this little shop in Portsmouth, has once again given them the confidence to express themselves in the company of others, something sadly missing in all our lives until recently. Getting back to the way things were isn't going to be easy, but tiny tentative steps should help, as all of us begin the process of once again reconnecting with others!

I am thrilled to be back with some truly wonderful co-workers, who I have dearly missed. I am known for calling Cancer Research my 'Happy Place,' because that is exactly what it is. It boosts my sense of self-worth and gives me something to look forward to each week, able to chat with companions and make money for a cause I champion. It feels fantastic to be home - the first place I started working when I returned from Spain and a part of my life I will always hold dear!

Mollie has arrived from Australia, where she has been for the last two years. Like most of our personal belongings she was shipped to Perth when we left Spain in 2018 and that is where she stayed. I asked Darrell if he would post her several weeks ago as my life isn't the same without her. This grand old lady has travelled  with both of us, all over the World and I thought it was about time she came back home.

The truth is, Darrell and I haven't decided where we want to stay long term, but it looks likely to be somewhere in Europe, when this Pandemic is finally over, so Mollie would have to return to this part of the World one day. She was one of the few possessions I kept when we left our home in Gran Alacant, and she is a big part of my life, containing many memories.

This is the picture I commissioned when the actress Mollie Sugden died. She was the lady I grew up with on the television set, as I sat down to watch 'Are You Being Served' with my Mother in the 1980s. Of course, it wasn't until later I understood much of the meaning behind the comedy that was a part of the show, but that didn't stop me laughing at sketches that still resonate today.

Like most comedy shows of the 1970s and 80s, they weren't particularly politically correct and would never be instructed today, but 'Are You Being Served' echoed a different Age, that seemed far more innocent than now. Mollie was an actress who never failed to make me laugh and a house full of laughter is the most important aspect to life. Happiness at times of stress and upheaval is the key to success, which is why Mollie is home where she belongs!

Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised  at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self  and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

Stay safe everyone!