RESIDENTS across the county that have gone the extra mile have been given 'special mentions' - thanks to kind readers.

The Journal was inundated with requests after putting a call out asking for readers to put forward individuals that deserve a special mention for doing good deeds in 2020.

Rebecca Darren nominated Jackie Holden, Sadie Inglis and Kate Inglis from Prestatyn.

Rebecca said: "My daughter Darcy is four-years-old and is Autistic so it can be very challenging for us to leave the house.

"Sadie and Kate came round to the house dressed as Santa and The Grinch with presents for both of my children Darcy and Coby as they didn't want her missing out because we couldn't make it to their home shows they did for the community.

"Just want to say a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart. Seeing Darcy's face light up was just magical."

Tomas Matthieu, of Rhyl, put forward his "hero" mother Veronica Foulkes.

During the first lockdown, Veronica, while suffering from heart failure, cared for an elderly neighbour. She provided her with hot food and helped her with shopping.

Tomas said: "Since then, her health has diminished, and she has had to stop working. Even so, she still tries her upmost to help those who need support, and thankfully she has managed to help get proper carers for the lady next door.

"She is a hero to me.

"She has suffered her ailments in silence while organising her usual family Christmas, which thankfully only consists of two households in a bubble, and her face lights up when she sees any joy she brings to others."

Mario Jovan Jones asked for Rhyl's Richard Kendrick to get a special mention.

He said: "He's always helping people all year, not just at Christmas. He is Santa for different charities, works with the homeless, helps North Wales Superkids, given tablets to hospitals, helps to feed the homeless on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"How he hasn't won an award, I don't know."

Rhyl Journal:

Remembrance Day - from a previous year in Rhyl - and Richard Kendrick

Rhyl Commandos Jfc also gave Richard high praise.

They said: "With the poppy appeal, feeding the homeless, all the tablets, food, drink for NHS workers and patients - the list is endless and all done voluntary.

"He really goes above and beyond."

Deon Garside, whose husband died in November 2019, praised her son for carrying out CPR.

"It's been a tough year for us both," Deon said.

"My husband said he was going to have a sleep for a hour. He lay on the couch and he said 'sod's law - I need to go for a wee now' and when he got to the kitchen door, he slowly went down to the floor.

"I thought he was joking and I shouted for my son. He was on his Xbox with his friends and he came down.

"I was phoning for an ambulance. They were telling me to go to John and do CPR and when I turned around, my son was already doing it. He learnt CPR in primary school in Trefnant.

"They said with my son's rapid response they were able to respond in the house, but a few times my husband's heart stopped.

"It was so sad to see and when they got into hospital, he passed away about couple of minutes after being there.

"For a 14-year-old, the love they had for each other, always playing football and going fishing... we are so lost without John."

Rhyl Journal:

In 2020, Sonia Fleming and son Charlton speak to the Duchess of Cambridge during a video call with families of soldiers who died while serving their country. Picture: Kensington Palace/Twitter

Both Katie Mellor and Prestatyn councillor Paul Penlington put forward Heather Norris for a special mention, from the Prestatyn and Meliden Food Bank.

Katie said: "Mrs Norris is the most kindest, caring, helpful and non- judgmental lady I know, nothing is ever too much for her. She just can’t help herself, she wears her heart on her sleeve.

"Even when she lost her darling husband last year she still made time for those around her that needed her help."

Cllr Penlington said: "Heather Norris really is a community hero.

"She has run Prestatyn and Meliden Foodbank for many years now. Not single handedly, she has a number of volunteers to help, but I’m sure they would all agree Heather works far more than any of them and is the keystone that holds it all together.

"During the pandemic she has worked ceaselessly, this year almost 6,000 individuals have received food parcels from Heather.

"She has averted potential disaster for all those people, always cheerful and never complaining

"She is, almost literally, the angel that saved Christmas for many, many people."

Rhyl Journal:

Rotary President Martin Cotgreave with vice-president Jean Smith, treasurer Tony England, and Heather Norris (in visor). Picture: Chris Porteous

Samuel Jones gave a special mention to Rhiannon Wyn Hughes, director of Wicked Wales at the Rhyl Little Theatre

Sam, production assistant volunteer, said: "She has given the volunteers opportunity, even in the time of coronavirus," he said.

"She works day and night signing bids to keep the cinema and production company up and running whilst making sure all the volunteers and teams are okay and helping the community.

"Rhiannon has given her time and effort to the company and from all of the volunteers, we thank her so much for keeping the company up and running."

Holly Adamson asked for Sonia Fleming, of Rhyl, to have a special mention.

"She is a coach and the reason Rhyl Commandos Junior Football Club exists today," Holly said.

"She does amazing work with the kids and always puts everyone before her self and goes above and beyond behind the scenes of just being a coach.

"She is also a great friend, amazing mother and truly a gift to have her in your life."

Nicki Walker put forward Little Lambs Day Nursery in Kinmel Bay and praised them for being "phenomenal" throughout 2020.

She added: "They remained open all year, just closing for a Christmas break.

"They took on children from nurseries that closed allowing key workers to carry on. They understood when families were furloughed and above all, made life feel 'normal' for the little ones.

"They truly deserve the mention on behalf of the children, parents and staff."

Rhyl Journal:

Tomas Matthieu with mum Veronica Foulkes

Sammy Baker praised the staff at Preswylfa Care Home in Rhyl.

She said: "We have got through covid so far, keeping the home Covid free and keeping the inside as normal as possible.

"All staff making sacrifices to keep everyone safe."

Rachel Cooper was keen for Brian Taylor, who set up Love: North Wales Community Help and Support on Facebook, to have a 'huge thank you".

She said: "The community site has helped hundreds of people over the last few months - raised money, toys and food for food banks, sources items for victims of evictions and domestic abuse, all while having his own health issues."

Nikki Thomas also gave a mention to Brian.

"He took ill during lockdown but has carried on helping others in need," she said.

"He is such a wonderful man."

Lucy Mathew put forward a young woman called Sophie Clough from Rhyl.

Sophie has been unwell for a while and her future was described as "uncertain", Lucy said.

She added: "Sophie has undergone a serious operation and is slowly recovering. Despite this Sophie has remained positive and strong throughout even when she must have been terrified.

"When Sophie was well enough she cared for the elderly and did an amazing job of making them happy despite what she was going through herself.

"Eventually, Sophie had to give up her much loved job caring for others as she was in a lot of pain and was chronically fatigued. Despite this, she enrolled on a university course and is excelling in it, has set up her own Body Shop business and is always making cakes and treats for people to put a smile on their faces.

"I feel that Sophie is an inspiration and is always willing to help others.

"I would love for her to be mentioned and for her to know how proud her friends and family are of her and what a brave young lady and inspiration she is."

Laura Kathleen Coates put forward Natasha Angel from Good News Mission in Rhyl. Natasha has made up food parcels from the start of lockdown.

Laura said: "She also manages food share along with her own life and she has made sure every recipient of food share this week has received a box of biscuits and a Christmas dinner.

"I myself am a user of this service and I wouldn't have had a Christmas without her."

Michael Rawlinson nominated Abbie Nelson, of Prestatyn, for a special mention.

He said: "She runs two businesses in Rhyl, both of which have been extremely affected by Covid-19.

"Even though at times she’s felt like giving up, she’s pursued her businesses and helps all of us staff out no matter what."

Stacey Milling gave a special mention to Dionne Hildebrandt who always goes "above and beyond".

She added: "Not only helping the food banks out but helping people with mental health too.

"She always puts others before herself she made little cards earlier in the year and attached them to bridges for people with mental health to assure them there is someone to talk to someone that can help.

"She is amazing and I would be made up if she got a mention."

Christine Duke put forward Shel Knapper, from the Six Bells in Rhyl. She was praised for "all the amazing gifts and donations raised through her bingo games and for the limited time - being able to open the pub."

Vikki Jayne Mason gave a special mention to Ashleigh Greenwood of Prestatyn.

She said: "She set the group coMUMinty up on Facebook and made so many Christmases this year.

"Going above and beyond when she has her own family and Crohn's to deal with.

"She’s deserves so much recognition for her amazing work."