THIS week's Person of the Week really helped make Easter special with treats for children and families in Parton.

The event was organised by prolific fundraiser Martin Wilson, a member of the Help the Heroes group that has raised thousands of pounds.

While he might have helped inspire it, this Easter event was a real example of community participation, with similar events being organised across Whitehaven.

But Martin wanted to make sure the day was particularly special and reached out to other groups in the area and got the community involved.

Parton Parish Council, the community group Parton Reunited and various individuals donated enough money to buy 300 Easter eggs and even ensure that a fully dressed Easter Bunny would be present on the day.

Local children had a part to play, however.

They were asked to make a flag and wave it at their doorsteps. In return, they would receive an Easter egg from the rabbit of the hour!

Martin said they did more than that: “Every child had a flag or a drawing or an Easter bonnet. It was fantastic to see.”

Fine weather and the response of the children had ensured that the whole day was a success.

Martin, a former soldier, has already been our person of the week for several reasons: he has raised money for Help the Heroes and for NHS charities.

He kept family and friends entertained during the first lockdown with quizzes and events on a WhatsApp group.

His “family” rose to 150 members on the group and all contributed to his charities.

He gave out Easter eggs in Bransty last year and even hired a burger van and sold burgers in Workington and Whitehaven to raise money for charities.

This time, though, he said the Easter treats were a community event with people coming together just to make a difference and cheer everyone up.

*This is one story of one person and one community. There are hundreds of people out there doing their best to make life a little better for those around them. They may have shined through the pandemic But maybe before and after, they are just quietly go that extra mile for those around you.

Who are your heroes? Please email me: viv.paterson@newsquest.co.uk