Barts A&E doctor feeds frontline staff across London
The Royal London Hospital doctor, John Manley and his partner Charlotte have started the charity DeliverAid, to help feed frontline NHS staff across London. The charity has delivered 2500 meals in the past 10 days and have confirmed that they will hit 3500 meals by the end of this week.
When asked where the inspiration came from, John said: “at the start of March I was offered a large shopping bag of canned food by a 90 year old lady, who I'd been treating for palpitations in A&E. It was totally out of the blue and I was bowled over by her generosity! On the way home from my shift I walked past several local restaurants who had closed their doors due to COVID-19 pandemic and at that point, I wondered whether the public's generosity towards the NHS could be funnelled through struggling businesses. DeliverAid seemed to be a logical and charitable way to connect the dots.”
DeliverAid is a family run incentive and John has enlisted the help of his brother, sister in law and Lawyer friend to help with the running of the project. Founding restaurant partners include The Quality Chop House, Ombra and Manteca. DeliverAid is actively recruiting a network of equally community spirited restaurants, who are keen to turn their creativity into providing affordable meals that will keep bodies and morale healthy in the weeks and months ahead.
DeliverAid has been absolutely overwhelmed with positive feedback. NHS frontline staff are constantly asking when the next delivery is arriving, whilst restaurant partnerships have been energised by the demand. John shared some photos of the team delivering the food and said: “I personally love the photo of the porters, as they were so touched at being remembered. It is those interactions that make this whole thing so worthwhile in my eyes”.
There are now several similar initiatives across the capital but what makes DeliverAid different is that they ensure the food is delivered equitably. This involves sharing the food equally amongst all staff, John stated: “we avoid dropping the food in a doctor's mess, instead it goes to a staff room where our valiant cleaners, security staff, nurses, receptionists and doctors can share. Getting positive feedback from all members of staff is what's really driving us to increase our offering”.
DeliverAid has plans to broaden their initiative and expand their services beyond the NHS. They are currently devising future plans and partnerships that will enable it to reach other carers and vulnerable groups in need of food and support.
For more information on DeliverAid, donations and how to get involved, please visit their website www.deliveraid.co.uk
