Trivallis’ Hometown Heroes campaign aims to shine a light on the people that are going above and beyond for others during a time of need. Our heroes are nominated by people who live and work across RCT for their heroic efforts to support their communities at this challenging time.
This week our Hometown Hero is Ron Hook. Ron lives in Trivallis’ Gwaunruperra Sheltered Housing Scheme in Llantrisant and has been nominated by his friend Elsie for going above and beyond to support her whilst she is shielding through the COVID-19 outbreak.
We caught up with Ron to find out how he’s been supporting Elsie…
“I met Elsie when I worked as the caretaker at Y Pant School and Elsie worked in the kitchen. We became very close friends and have been there for each other through some really challenging times. It’s unbelieveble that I’ve been nominated as a Hometown Hero, I just love to help people.” Ron said.
Both Ron and Elsie have cancer and support each other by attending hospital appointments and check-ins at Velindre together, and lending a listening ear for one another. Since lockdown, Elsie has been shielding and Ron has been happy to help her with whatever she needs, including picking up prescriptions and shopping.
Elsie said: “I’d like to show my gratitude to Ron who I have nominated as my Hometown Hero. Ron has always been a big support to me and has been taking me for my chemo and consultant appointments since 2002 as I don’t have transport.
“Because of the COVID-19 outbreak I’ve been shielding as I have cancer and Ron has been doing my shopping for me. He’s also been picking up my medication and has helped me to change pharmacies so I can get what I need.”
Ron also supports Elsie’s grandson, who he calls ‘chunk’, by taking him to and from school. “He’s like my own, I love him to bits. He’s superhero mad at the moment and loves Spiderman, so I’ve bought him a few Spiderman toys and games to keep him busy whilst he’s off school.” Ron said.
As well as supporting Elsie, Ron is a massive part of Gwaunruperra Sheltered Scheme and helps organise lots of social events. From dominoes to day trips, Ron keeps himself busy and helps so many others feel at home and part of one big family. He is also an RNIB tenant assessor for sheltered housing and works with Trivallis and the RNIB to ensure sheltered schemes are accessible for people with sight loss.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Ron for all he has done during the the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond, to support his friends and neighbours. We’re sure ‘chunk’ thinks you’re a superhero and we all agree.
If you know a Hometown Hero that you would like to nominate, you can fill out a form here.
Visit our Hometown Hero Hall of Fame to see the other heroes in our communities, here.