Hebden Bridge businesses donate free pizza and flowers to people in isolation

Florists Fleur de Lys donated more than 80 bouquets of flowers and Origano Pizza and Grill donated more than 80 pizzas, both free of charge.

They were distributed to those isolating in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd by the Old People’s Welfare Committee, who are co-ordinating support in the area.

Jan Lymer, from the group, said: “We really appreciate what everyone is doing,  the volunteers and the various restaurants that are helping us out.

”The food ingredients are paid for with a grant from the Community Foundation For Calderdale and the kitchens are providing the skill, love and commitment.

”For some of these people, this lockdown has been very hard, so we’ve cheered them all up with a pizza meal and some flowers.

”People are losing the fear. They’re relieved to get a phone call every week, relieved they’re part of a virtual community, and they trust us.

”We produce food every fortnight from different restaurants and folk are really grateful and they feel part of a community.

”Tibetan Kitchen deliver hot meals once a fortnight, no charge at all, and next week Leila’s Kitchen will be doing it.

“One of our volunteers Helen Plaice is the brains and brawn behind all our Eat Together, Stay Home initiatives.”She coordinated a team of 119 volunteers and has delivered over 300 meals over several weeks to our vulnerable, elderly and isolating residents of Hebden Royd.

”It’s a good example of how the area has come together during lockdown, but it’s genuinely needed.”

Jo Hirons, one of the people in isolation who has been supported, said: “We have all been living through very strange and troubling weeks, but for all the worry and heartache there have been moments of pure delight, wonder, and thankfulness.

”Hebden Bridge and the Calder Valley have done what they do best: they have remembered everyone.

”We are so lucky to live in this resilient community, which has once again responded to shared anguish with generosity, resourcefulness, and uncommon kindness.”

Volunteer Mary Ellen said: “It is wonderful it is to be part of the Eat Together Volunteer Group.

“Helen Plaice has coordinated the project brilliantly: the email request forms are user friendly and feel very personal which is so important; the organisation of food deliveries has been excellent and well thought through - the route maps are always good - and the gift bags were just superb.

“Thank you to her for all her hard work, patience and cheerfulness.”