Food4Heroes
1492. Amanda Guest
1493. John Brownhill
Amanda Guest, from Huddersfield, and John Brownhill, from Northamptonshire, created 'Food4Heroes' - the national movement with over 300 volunteers which has served over 200,000 meals to NHS staff.
Sister and brother Amanda and John launched the initiative at the start of the outbreak in March to help NHS workers who, after long shifts often on coronavirus wards, were struggling to get hold of nutritious food to help refuel ahead of their next shift. Pooling together local catering companies and restaurants to supply high-quality free meals, their first delivery was for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, and the movement has since expanded to 43 hospitals across the country, with over £400,000 raised in public donations. ‘Food4Heroes’ is now moving into a new phase of supporting local communities, supplying food banks with ready cooked meals and fridges and freezers to store perishables.
In a personal letter to Amanda, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank you for setting up the fantastic ‘Food4Heroes’ initiative which has fed hundreds of thousands of NHS workers.
“Using your catering talents, you have found a superbly practical way to thank our NHS staff. Together with John, you have turned a brilliant idea into a national platform and I wish you every success as you continue your work.”
In a personal letter to John, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was lost in admiration to hear of how you and Amanda joined forces to create a nationwide movement to thank the extraordinary men and women of the NHS.
“In a matter of months ‘Food4Heroes’ has sustained hundreds of thousands of NHS workers with a hot, nourishing meal. You have ensured that the wonderful doctors and nurses, who care so deeply for us, are also cared for.”
Amanda and John said:
“We are thrilled to receive the Point of Light award.
“‘Food4Heroes may have been started by us but would not have been the success it was without the support and hard work of so many amazing friends and volunteers.
“We are ready for the second phase and hope this proves as successful.”
Pictured below: Amanda at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, and John outside the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford
