Joanna Hossack Riley

@joannahossack1

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a northerner with a passion for tea, pies, Maths, Liam Gallagher, lip gloss, anything British, friendship and family. If indoors, you will find me in my ‘house coat’ with a wee cup of tea in my hand. 

What makes you smile?

Having time to catch up properly with all my friends: from those I already spoke to every day (and now every minute) to those I hadn’t spoken to for too long. We’ve had such a laugh and also been there to support each other through all the ups and downs of the past few weeks. 

Spending some proper time with my husband and getting ready for our new arrival…   

Take That, Relight My Fire

What can we do to support others during this time?

Listening to each other’s problems. Everyone is being affected by this current situation and even if it’s only something minor, sometimes you just need to tell someone and you feel a whole lot better! Also, putting the kettle on…

What have you been doing? (Any tips/ advice for isolation)

Trying to see the positives! Thinking that (hopefully) we will never have this time again so just to make the most of it! I also have to go out every day for a walk in the woods nearby or the fields. Peace to all the flowers and trees out there 

Shoutout to someone

Shout out to my nine best friends from school who organised a surprise virtual baby shower for me! It was ace and completely unexpected!! As usual, it was filled with laughter and in-jokes from years of friendship! Investing in fun and long-lasting friendships is so important – even if they do know a bit too much about you!!! 

My role model is my great aunty Mary Hinde who opened an orphanage in western Kenya in 1994 to care for children of the victims of AIDS, Double Joy. A selfless and kind act during an unthinkable time. She continues to live there in her 80s and protect those vulnerable children (all 94 of them!) whilst a new emergency breaks out. The motto of the orphanage is:

‘Shared sorrow is half sorrow; shared joy is Double Joy’. I phrase I feel is very apt right now.