Student nurses working to feed the vulnerable in coronavirus isolation

The seven third-year students making and distributing food to elderly and vulnerable people in Sunderland who have to stay home in isolation.

All seven study at the University of Sunderland, which announced that it would be suspending all face-to-face classroom teaching from Tuesday, March 17.

One member of the all-women group is Vici Peebles, 45 whose mother, Anne Kemp is a cook at the cafe at St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth, Bede’s Bakehouse.

The cafe is also closed at the moment so the group decided to put the kitchen, and their unexpected free time, to good use.

Starting on Saturday, March 21, Anne is to prepare the food, assisted by the nurses, who will then distribute it at various locations around the North East.

Vici is keen to get started. She said: “We thought while we were off we would offer our services for a good cause.

“We’re hoping to get a few donations to make pasta dishes, soup, mince - things that can be reheated easily. We can come and collect the donations.

“We’ll prepare the meals, box them up, then take them to people who need it.

“People have messaged us about elderly people who might need help. We’ll make sure we get to them. So far there are seven of us volunteering, but we’re hoping to increase that.

“My mam will be making the food, but we need people to help with preparing it, as well as the shopping.

“One of the group is from Spennymoor, so we’ll be handing out food in Coxhoe. We all live in different places, so we can spread out and take an area each. We’ll do South Shields and Newcastle too.”

Anyone who knows of a vulnerable person in need of the services of the group – or who could help or contribute – should text Vici on 07803 897151.