Everyday heroes

Narguis Horsford is dressed in a grey and orange uniform and stands with her hands on her hips, looking to one side. She looks proud and strong. She looks like a superhero. But Narguis is not a conventional superhero – she drives trains for a living.

In July, British Vogue invited three women to appear on the front cover of the magazine. The edition was called “The New Front Line”. It featured some of the everyday heroes who had continued working throughout the lockdown. Along with Narguis were two other key workers.

“They were always heroes,” the editor-in-chief explained, “but they are also normal people. There is such a beauty in normality”.

Sometimes, it is easy to believe that only certain individuals can be heroes – but they come in all shapes and sizes. Every day we are protected by heroes such as police officers, firefighters and medical professionals. Then there are our teachers, parents, carers – even friends – and all those who look after us. During the pandemic, as life changed dramatically around the world, we learnt to appreciate the heroes who previously may have gone unnoticed: for instance, rubbish collectors, bus drivers, shop workers, postmen and women.

Who is your everyday hero?