Dig deep for our foodbank, duo ask colleagues
A pair of kind- hearted NHS workers have launched a fundraiser for Renfrewshire Foodbank.
Alistair Chappell and his wife Hazel are already part of an inspirational team of frontline staff working around the clock amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But the Paisley couple have decided to take their heroics one step further by asking their colleagues and residents across Renfrewshire to donate money to the foodbank to make sure no one goes hungry during lockdown.
Alistair, who works at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, said he came up with the idea after seeing how many cafes were donating lunches and food to NHS workers, and was keen to give something back.
He said on a JustGiving page set up to receive donations: “This is a call to our NHS family.
“We are so appreciative for all the donations the NHS is currently receiving from local businesses.
“It makes us all feel super proud and valued as a team.
“There are lots of other people in need during these difficult times.
“Please help me to spread the love and generosity to help them.
“If you are lucky enough to have received a free lunch during this time, it would be awesome if you could donate the amount you would normally spend on lunch or even a small part of it. “This could make a big difference. “If you’re not an NHS colleague, then you can still help us by donating to the cause.”
Alistair works as a phlebotomist at the RAH - which involves collecting blood samples from patients to help diagnose illnesses - and as the activities coordinator in ward 36.
Hazel is an occupational therapist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), in Glasgow, where she helps ill, injured or disabled patients maintain the skills they need for every day life.
Together, the pair have so far raised more than £ 500 for the foodbank, which helps to provide parcels filled with essentials to people in financial difficulty, from its distribution hubs in Paisley, Johnstone, Renfrew and Erskine.
Elizabeth Alexander, senior manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “It is absolutely lovely Hazel and Alistair are doing this.
“With all the difficulties they are experiencing just now and how busy they must be, it’s amazing they’ve had the time to think about anyone else other than the ones they are caring for.
“We’re very thankful to the NHS, which is doing wonderful work.”
To donate to the cause, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/alistairchappellnhsrenfrewshirefoodbank