Kirkby councillor goes 'from one superhero to another' as he helps with vaccine rollout

Before the pandemic, Ashfield Independent councillor Dale Grounds, who represents the Kingsway Ward of Ashfield District Council, volunteered for the NHS dressed up as well-loved superhero Spiderman.

He regularly visited children’s wards in Queen’s Medical Centre to take children’s minds off serious health conditions or to be there when they woke up after operations.

Now, councillor Grounds is working as a volunteer at the vaccination centre at Kirkby Health Village.

The councillor is working Monday to Friday and has spoken about how much he enjoys his new role.

He said: “When the clarion call came out for volunteers for the vaccination programme – I thought why not?

"I’m an NHS volunteer anyway.

"I wanted to do everything I can to help beat this dreadful pandemic.

"It’s great to help out residents, many of them I represent on the council feel that little bit safer.

"It’s a great way of continuing to give back to my community – it’s just a different age range.”

In his spare time, before the pandemic, councillor Grounds volunteered as Spiderman for the NHS at the Nottingham hospital.

He got the idea after seeing his son Reece’s reaction to him dressing up as his favourite superhero.

Reece has autism and his dad noticed dressing up as the red-suited hero helped his son and changed his behaviour and so thought other children might also benefit.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, praised his fellow councillor for his volunteer work in the community.

He said: “Talk about going from one superhero to another.

"Dale is a tremendous ambassador for our council.

"It’s great to see him volunteering at our vaccination centre.

"He is a popular figure across Kirkby and our elderly residents are delighted to see him when they arrive for the vaccine.

“It helps put them at ease.”