Chester to provide free meals for NHS staff in coronavirus fight

Chester racecourse is offering free meals for frontline NHS staff dealing directly with the coronavirus crisis.

From Wednesday, NHS and emergency services workers will be able to pick up complimentary frozen meals to take home from the course between 9am-9pm daily, on production of their staff ID.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of the track's owners Chester Race Company (CRC), said: "This is our opportunity to give something back to those on the front line doing a fantastic job to support individuals impacted by the developing Covid-19 crisis."

The impact of panic-buying food on NHS staff was brought to light when critical care nurse Dawn Bilbrough posted an emotional video pleading with people to stop stockpiling after being faced with empty supermarket shelves following a 48-hour shift.

Environment secretary George Eustice on Saturday told shoppers to be responsible and think of others, such as NHS workers, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In another initiative responding to coronavirus, Chester has set up a foodbank drop off point at The Pavilion suite to help vulnerable people in the area.

CRC has pledged £1,000 worth of food items and members of the public can donate non-perishable goods to be sent to West Cheshire Foodbank.

Richard Thomas: chief executive of Chester Race CompanyCredit: Chester racecourse

"We want to do as much as we can for the most vulnerable groups within our local community by supporting this new coordinated response effort," added Thomas.

Further details on both schemes, including fundraising support via JustGiving, can be found at chester-races.com.

With British racing suspended until the end of April, officials at Chester will be hoping racing can return at that point with the May meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5 to Thursday, May 7.

The three-day fixture has been moved forward a day this year after the traditional early May bank holiday was moved to Friday, May 8 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

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