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Local superhero recognised by the Prime Minister
20/05/2021
Prime Minister says of Prabhu Natarajan “the true hero is you”
A volunteer from Banbury who has delivered over 11,000 chocolates, treats and other foodstuffs to hundreds of families across the town during the Coronavirus pandemic has received Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award.
Prabhu Natarajan moved to Banbury from India with his wife and son in March 2020 just as the Coronavirus outbreak started, but immediately set out to provide support for people in need across the local area by regularly collecting and delivering food parcels to people in need, as well as establishing his own food bank. He has been further giving a boost to residents during lockdown by making his deliveries while dressed as superheroes, Santa Claus, and most recently, distributing thousands of donated eggs while dressed as the Easter bunny.
In a personal letter to Prabhu, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Thank you for all that you have done over the last year to bring moments of happiness to the families of Banbury.
“You have single-handedly delivered over 11,000 treats to people across the town, which is a staggering achievement. You have delighted local children by doing your deliveries in superhero costume, but the true hero is you!”
Victoria Prentis, MP for Banbury, who also recognised Prabhu as an Unsung Hero in North Oxfordshire in December 2020, said: “Prabhu is a true unsung hero and a credit to the Banbury community. His selflessness and generosity has given residents a real boost during such a difficult year. He is very deserving of this Point of Light Award. I look forward to meeting him in the coming weeks to thank him personally for his efforts.”
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Prabhu said: “If you want to live a happy life, take care of people around you. A smile and an act of kindness wins everything. Be generous to everyone.
“Thank you Prime Minister, each and everyone involved in considering me for this award. It’s not an individual effort. I have got immense support from my wife Shilpa Balachandran, my son Addhu (Advaith Prabhu) and the amazing people of the whole of Banbury.
“With their amazing support only I was able to do everything. I would love to dedicate this award to my dad, 11 family members and 9 best friends who have passed away in the last 22 days due to Covid in India.”
The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Prabhu is the 1637th person to be recognised. As the UK unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing particularly on people serving their community through the pandemic.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Fred Riches On 21/05/2021 at 3:31 pm
Brilliant- let’s hear more good news stories like this!
Amanda Tancred On 21/05/2021 at 5:58 pm
Such a deserving recipient of this reward and my sincere condolences to Prabhu and his family on the passing of his father, family members and close friends to this horrible virus. Him and his family are in my prayers.
Mary Brookbanks On 21/05/2021 at 6:36 pm
Prabhu is a Jewel in the Crown of Humanity.What a wonderful Selfless young man along with his family.
A Big Thankyou & good wishes for your life here in the UK.
Diane Wincott On 23/05/2021 at 8:29 pm
Wow… So deserved… He dropped 2 parcels of for my 2 daughters who are high risk. He is an amazing person… Pabhu has a heart of gold. He is one in a million