Cransley Hospice organises veg boxes from Rothwell grocer for hardworking staff

Cransley Hospice is supporting their hardworking staff by giving them fresh food boxes from a local grocer.

The Kettering hospice contacted Rothwell grocer Sean Connolly, who owns The Northampton Grocer, and he supplied 60 boxes to the dedicated staff.

A spokesman said: "We have been conscious here at Cransley Hospice Trust that our hardworking specialist nurses and hospice support staff are finding it difficult to shop and obtain fresh fruit and vegetables when they need them.

"As recognition of all their hard work in such challenging times, we wanted to do something to help and set out to purchase some fresh produce boxes to give to the staff as a token of our thanks.

"We were delighted when Sean Connolly, owner of The Northampton Grocer, responded to our request so quickly."

Sean said he delivered 30 boxes yesterday (Wednesday, April 29) morning and is delivering 30 more today (Thursday).

He said: "Cransley approached us about two weeks ago asking about the availability and how long it would take to set up and we told them we could turn it around in a couple of days for them, as their staff are working so hard and shouldn't have to struggle getting the basic supplies when they have finished work or queue for ages before starting work."

A spokesman for Cransley Hospice said: "The boxes have gone down really well with the team and all the staff at the hospice are extremely grateful."

The Northampton Grocer has seen a huge increase in orders over the last six weeks and can sign people up for regular orders via direct debit online.

Sean said this will get a delivery every week of fresh vegetables and fruit.

He said: "We have also had several orders where neighbours have ordered bulk boxes which they have been splitting down for elderly and vulnerable people which is great to see the local communities pulling together like this in these uncertain times."

Sean said he has been well supported by his suppliers, who have been working six days a week and sometimes delivering twice a day to support his grocery deliveries.

While Cransley Hospice has been supporting its dedicated staff, it is a charity service that is feeling the impact of the pandemic on donations.

The hospice said: "Cransley Hospice, like many charities, is feeling the huge impact that Coronavirus is having on donations as events and collections are cancelled whilst staff continue to work hard to provide the specialist palliative care for both patients and their families through this time.

"There are many ways that people can get involved and support Cransley Hospice, visit the website www.cransleyhospice.org.uk for further details."