A Rotherhithe shopkeeper was in ‘tears for three’ hours after receiving a letter on behalf of the Queen for his ‘exceptional contribution to life’ in London, writes Simon Throssell…
Vimal Pandya, who works at Halai General Stores on Gwent Court, selflessly helped 55 families with free deliveries and emotional support on the phone.
The rush of panic buying during the first lockdown meant that many of Vimal’s vulnerable customers were worried about coming into his shop.
Seeing these people like his family, Vimal took it upon himself to go to the cash and carry every morning and stand in very long queues to make sure that he had plenty of stock.
He would put a notice on his door inviting people to call him for a free delivery, which he would do on foot until 11:30 PM at night most evenings.
Vimal didn’t want to take advantage of his customers during this difficult time so would charge people the lowest cost price and let them pay when they were able to.
On his day off, Mr Pandya would speak to families for hours on the phone and offer a listening ear.
Word of Vimal’s outstanding community service quickly spread and on 12th February this year , he received a letter from Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Queen’s personal representative in Greater London.
The letter read: “It has come to my attention that you are one of those people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am therefore writing to personally thank you for all of your efforts and to encourage you to continue making a positive difference to Londoners.”
Remembering the moment it arrived on his doorstep, Vimal said: “I was in tears for three hours. I thought OMG what is happening here. I was so overwhelmed.
“I really really want to thank Mr Olisa, the people who come to our shop, and my girlfriend who is always there by my side.
“This is something that is going to be with me for the rest of my life.”
It is vital that we stand up for people who have given wholeheartedly just because they could, not because they thought it would gain them something. This is the kind of person we want in our society, that we want as a role model to our communities! Thank you for your tireless work sir!
Long live Vermal XXX
Sad to read Vimal’s story and ashamed of this country. He should be given permission to stay.
Having shown such compassion to his neighbours during the pandemic, it is now time to show him some compassion, by resolving the bureaucratic confusion on his right to stay in the UK. He deserves it!
He has done so much for others. Why can’t the Home Office do something for him. 2hatvan asset he would be.
Well Done Vimal for the support you provided for those in need during COVID19 lockdown.
The Government should take this service as positive for him to be granted to remain in UK.
Even the Queen has given seal of Approval.
God Save The Queen XxX
We need people like Vimal in our country who care for others on a practical level. Please allow him to stay in the UK.
The UK Home Office should reconsider this man’s immigration status and allow him to remain in the UK. It is very callous of them to deport him, after all the help he has provided through out the Covid epidemic.
People like Viral, who is still working, should be rewarded for their community spirit and not exiled from this country. We need more people like him.
It should be a priviledge to offer a home to man of Vimal’s calibre. We could do with many more like him in the UK.
Thank you for the help you gave and good luck