Sheppey has been rallying around to help raise the spirits of emergency and NHS staff due to coronavirus outbreak.

Businesses and groups across the Island have been coming together to donate items, free meals and offer much-needed help.

The Taste of India in Halfway, Sheppey, has been offering anyone with an NHS identity card free takeaway meals.

Owner Sajjad Rahman said: "It is my way of being able to give back to the NHS workers who are probably the most overworked right now.

"They're on the frontline risking their lives and thinking about others.

"We've so far given out over 80 meals and that's what I want to keep on doing.

"They've looked after my family on the Island for many years.

"They're on the frontline risking their lives and thinking about others."

"People that have come in to pick up their food have been beaming because they can get something hot and free to eat after a 12-hour shift."

He has also managed to deliver food to people working at Sheppey Community Hospital.

Leysdown Parish Council chairman, Cllr Malcolm Pamplin, also arranged for 70 cupcakes from Leysdown Bakery to be donated to Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster.

Fifty went to staff and residents at The Island Residential Home, Leysdown Road, and a fruit cake to staff at the doctors' surgery on the same road.

Cllr Pamplin said: "We were going to give the hospital money for face masks but they said they probably wouldn't see it because it would have to go in a central pot.

"Instead we decided to arrange for cakes to be sent there for the staff to enjoy.

"We didn't want anyone to feel left out so we gave some to the care home and GP surgery.

"I think they need it now more than ever before. If there's anything else we can do to help get in touch and we will do what we can."

Sheerness-based owner of The Cake Fairy, Jade Andrews, donated 60 cupcakes to Medway Maritime Hospital's intensive care unit and 30 to firearms police officers.

She is also planning on baking a batch of 20 for Sheerness firefighters.

"I got such a lovely response and they were so, so kind," said Jade.

"They're the people who deserve a treat right now."

And Morrisons at Neats Court, staff are committed to donating £1,000 of stock for the next few weeks to start up food donation stations.

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