The landlord of a pub in Dartford has fed over 300 NHS workers at his local hospital with freshly cooked pub meals, with some help from his pub regulars.
The Bird in Hand pub has been closed for close to three months thanks to the pandemic, but landlord Adam Joy said he felt helpless hearing of the immense pressure staff at Darent Valley Hospital were under.
So the Dartford publican put out an appeal to his customers and pub-goers, as well as friends and community members, to help him fund meals for the hospital.
Darent Valley Hospital has recorded the second highest number of coronavirus patients of any hospital in England, so Adam made contact with the NHS trust to donate and deliver the meals.
The appeal snowballed, raising over £1,000, so Adam, his wife, and their two children Caitlin (22) and 16-year-old Jack set to work preparing meals.
An online auction and raffle made up of donated prizes was held, and donations have now swelled to over £3,500 in just a fortnight.
Restricted to just family due to Covid-19 legislation, the team have so far made three deliveries to the Dartford hospital, the latest on Sunday, January 17.
So far, over 300 staff members at Darent Valley Hospital have been fed with freshly cooked pub meals.
Adam, landlord of Bird in Hand located on Dartford Road, said: "We've done unbelievably well. The generosity of my regulars and friends never ceases to amaze me.
"And we're not done yet. We hope to be able to continue to supply meals for the coming weeks if not months."
Darent Valley Hospital shared photos of grateful staff holding food deliveries, adding: "It is so lovely getting these deliveries, as we can spread them around the hospital so that all our hard working staff in different areas can enjoy."
Fundraising efforts are also continuing, with Adam leading a sponsored virtual 5km run, and deliveries continuing throughout January.
The landlord is raising the funds directly, so if you’d like to donate please call Adam on 07730405313.
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