A key worker from Glasgow has won a nationwide photography competition after submitting a snap of her young sons thanking the NHS for all their hard work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Lorna Lyons, 39, took the winning picture for the 18-50s category of Cartridge Save’s contest to find the nation’s most iconic lockdown snap.
The mother-of-two captured her sons Ashton Wilson, 10, and Brodie Wilson, 5, standing on their front door which they had decorated with bright colours to celebrate the NHS and key workers.
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Lorna, a Lead Reporting Officer for G4S Electronic Monitoring Services Scotland, said: “Due to being a key worker and working ridiculous shifts, lockdown meant I couldn’t spend as much quality time with my family as we all would have liked.
"My boys have missed their bedtime stories and family walks in the park but they have learned mum’s work is important.
“I was overjoyed to come home and see this sight on my front door after a long stressful shift.
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“Sadly I still had to strip to my shorts and vest top and go for my ‘decontamination bath’ before I could give them the biggest cuddle and thank them for this wonderful sight and the effort they had put in making me the proudest key worker around.”
Speaking to The Herald Scotland, Lorna told of how her boys always had a 'quarantine bath' ready for her coming home after work, would lay out her pyjamas, and even started cooking with Dad so that there were lovely meals for the family to enjoy together.
She said: "During lockdown the boys rose to the challenge to help others and also bring the community together - they initially started a social distancing sunflower growing competition which started off as our street but ended up with the majority of the village taking part; it was amazing seeing everyone positive and enjoying something fun in such a testing time.
"It was the help and support from my family that go me through this testing time, which I am thankful for."
The winners of the competition were decided through a combination of a public vote and the input of a panel of expert judges.
Managing director of Cartridge Save, Ian Cowley, commented: “We’ve had some fantastic entries to the competition, and it’s been incredible to see how people have coped during lockdown.
“Hailing the heroes from our NHS really summed up the spirit of the nation during those challenging times.”
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