THE first of many gift boxes will today be presented to NHS workers on the frontline at Furness General Hospital.

The brainchild of Matthew Mayvers from Cater Kwik, the idea is to use skills and time of those in the hospitality and catering industry, alongside help from the community, to create a centre for NHS workers to collect essential parcels to save them having to go to the shop.

Stock, donated by businesses and people from the community, has been collected in a big marquee during the week at Barrow Cricket Club.

The organisers have been overwhelmed with offers of help and donations from people in the Furness area and are very grateful for all the support they have received.

“The whole idea behind this is that it is a gift for NHS frontline workers” said Mr Mayvers.

“I just thought, how can we make things easier for those workers. So we are filling boxes full of essentials and some gifts.

“I have felt a willingness from everyone who is getting involved in this. It is just one way to show our appreciation for what they are doing.

“Unfortunately we have had to put staff members from Cater Kwik on furlough but the amount of those workers willing to come and volunteer their time for this is brilliant.

“One of my biggest worries is the lack of product as this goes on as I hope to continue this over the weeks, so we are looking for more donations despite our great start.

“Considering the help and support we have had so far I am sure we will be fine. We are accepting produce and cash donations, no matter if they are big or small, and hopefully we will start to include gift items in our boxes soon. I want to give a massive thank you to all those that have made this happen and hopefully this will go from strength to strength to give the people of Furness something to be proud of.”

Volunteers are also wanted to help box up the items for the NHS workers. Call 07711030318 or visit the Facebook page: NHS giving back to those giving everything’. Essential box orders can be made at 07584122381 and the marquee will be available from 9.30am until 8.30pm this weekend and 5.30am until 8.30pm midweek.