The coronavirus crisis has led to a number of businesses going bust due to a lack of income and being unable to open for extensive periods of time, but the co-owners of Chris’ Toy Box & Bouncy Castle Hire have continued to work around the clock.

Chris and Rebecca Lindsay own the independent family-run toy shop found on Westcliff’s London Road and have delivered toys to countless children while their doors have remained shut due to government guidelines.

Despite being made to contend with Chris suffering a heart attack recently, Rebecca has continued to put their customers first.

Kerry Chidgey, of Southend, said: “Throughout the pandemic, Chris and Bex have gone above and beyond for all their customers.

“They have not only arranged deliveries locally, they have also made sure all of their customers from far and wide received their Christmas orders in plenty of time.

“They drove hundreds of miles across the UK – from Cornwall to Scotland and everywhere in between – and were determined to make sure every child had a fantastic Christmas during the pandemic.

“Chris recently suffered a heart attack, which was hard in itself as it not only left Bex to run the business on her own but also deal with four children.

“Despite everything, she still put everyone else first.”

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Chris and Rebecca have also made a host of charitable donations since the initial Covid-19 outbreak 11 months ago and offered support to the children of NHS heroes in these tough times.

Kerry, who has put the duo forward as community heroes, feels Chris and Rebecca deserve praise for the way they have kept their business going and maintained high spirits among children in the midst of a global pandemic.

She added: “Without Chris and Bex many children would have had the most awful Christmas.

“The children would have struggled with things to keep them occupied during lockdown, but the delivery of presents made it memorable.

“Even with their own challenges at home, they have gone above and beyond for every single one of their customers and nothing has ever been too much trouble for them.

“They make sure all of their customers are happy, particularly in these tough times.

“They are the most selfless people to walk the planet.”

We want to shine a light on those who have played a key role in helping you get through the pandemic.

To nominate your Community Hero, simply complete the form below.