Preston chippy gives free food parcels to NHS workers in hospitals

A fish and chips shop gave NHS staff in Preston, Chorley and Blackpool a welcome boost by offering them hundreds of free takeaway meals.
Staff at Royal Preston Hospital are delighted to receive their fish and chipsStaff at Royal Preston Hospital are delighted to receive their fish and chips
Staff at Royal Preston Hospital are delighted to receive their fish and chips

Doctors, nurses and other health workers have taken a bit of a battering during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, as cases of Covid-19 put extra pressure on resources.

But the Queen Vic fish and chips shop on Moor Street, Preston, decided to show appreciation for the sterling work these health care professionals do, day after day.

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Manager and owner Ibrahim Sanibal, who runs the food establishment with his brother Noureddine, provided more than 250 parcels of fish and chips, curry sauce, gravy and mushy peas to staff at Blackpool Victoria , Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble hospitals.

The Queen Vic team with the food parcelsThe Queen Vic team with the food parcels
The Queen Vic team with the food parcels

The deliveries were made over several days last week, including yesterday.

Ibrahim, who has run the business for six years, said: "These NHS staff do such amazing work, it is the least we could do, and they didn't have to pay anything.

"I have friends who are doctors, nurses and health care workers and they put themselves on the line every day - and they have their own families to worry about too, they are our heroes.

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"We wanted to do this, it is just a small gesture - they have been there for us and we are here for them.

The fish and chips arrive at Springfield Manor Gardens Care Home, formerly the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing homeThe fish and chips arrive at Springfield Manor Gardens Care Home, formerly the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home
The fish and chips arrive at Springfield Manor Gardens Care Home, formerly the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home

"I am proud of my staff for their work in this as well."

Some of the food parcels were also sent out to staff at the Springfield Manor Gardens Care Home on Garstang Road in Fulwood.

Lindsey Pilkington, deputy home manager, said: "It was fantastic. More than 30 staff members were treated to fish chips and sides kindly donated from Janine Swarbrick and the Queen Vic chip shop.

"Janine is the sister of a resident whom we cared for here at Springfield manor gardens. She wanted to give back for the care and support that was shown to her brother in his time of need.

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"The staff was shocked and delighted to receive their lunch complimentary of The queen vic. This is a heart warming gesture to let us know that we are in everyone's thoughts at this difficult time."

Ibrahim said the coronavirus may be making things tougher for many people, but he felt in other ways it was bringing communities together, despite the lockdown and need for social distancing.

He said: "We're all up against it so we have to look out for each other and I see that happening in Preston.

"I had not spoken to my neighbour for years but the other day we took the time to have a chat across the fence and asked how we were.

"I have seen people looking out for the elderly too, community spirit is returning in spite of the difficulties."

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