SPAR helps deliver vital PPE to Marie Curie nurses across the north of England

150 Marie Curie Nurses in the North of England can now collect essential PPE from their local SPAR store thanks to the generosity and good will of James Hall & Co., SPAR wholesaler for the north of England.

Marie Curie Nurses caring for patients with and without coronavirus, are using an average of over 58,000 pieces of PPE a month, including face masks, aprons, gloves, visors, goggles and hand sanitiser. Yet issues with getting enough PPE has meant the charity was experiencing a ‘logistical nightmare’ in delivering the vast quantities of vital PPE to their frontline staff across the region.

Due to COVID-19, PPE delivery was heavily disrupted, and the time and costs greatly increased. Without the correct PPE, Marie Curie Nurses are unable to care for dying people and support their loved ones.

Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant, Flora Snape, has worked for the charity for eight years, covering Central Lancashire, from Preston, Chorley South, Ribble to Blackburn and can travel anything up to 25 miles one way from home. Flora said: “It’s a real privilege to care for people at the end of life and support families during a very difficult time. PPE is vital for us to continue delivering vital care during the pandemic.”

“I was so happy to hear I could pop into my local SPAR and pick up my PPE, rather than waiting for it to arrive in the post. I was even able to do a bit of shopping at the same time, which was very convenient for me and I’m sure it will be for other colleagues with busy lives. At a time when coronavirus has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on our fundraising and income, this initiative from James Hall will help save the charity vital funds. So, on behalf of the nursing service, I would like to say a big thank-you to SPAR for making this possible and for their continued support.”

Peter Dodding, sales and marketing director at James Hall & Co. said: “Just like Marie Curie Nurses, SPAR stores play an integral role in the community and we are absolutely delighted that we can help save time and money for the charity to spend where it is needed most. 

“Nurses have been able to collect a month’s supply of PPE from their nearest SPAR store, including a network of independent SPAR retailers and company owned stores, all who are thrilled to be able to play a small part in ensuring Marie Curie’s team of dedicated nurses can continue to deliver such a vital service for families across the UK.”

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness, dying, death, bereavement or concerned about Coronavirus, Marie Curie’s free Support Line team are ready to help 7 days a week with the information and emotional support you need when you need it. Calls are free on 0800 090 2309*. You can also find more information on our website: mariecurie.org.uk/coronavirus