Queen's Guard helping deliver vital supplies for Sunderland's vulnerable hopes to inspire other during coronavirus outbreak

From guarding Buckingham Palace to delivering food parcels for those in need, a Sunderland soldier is encouraging all who can to play their part and support their community during the coronavirus crisis.
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Lance Sergeant Bobby Robson, who is in the Coldstream Guards, was in charge of guarding Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

Now he’s dedicating his time volunteering for Sunderland City Council and Easington Lane Community Access Point to help ensure the elderly and vulnerable people have food and vital supplies.

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And the 31-year-old, who is currently on leaving during the crisis when he’s not on guard, is hoping to inspire others to show their support for the community.

Bobby Robson on guard at Buckingham Palace and helping delivering food with ELCAPBobby Robson on guard at Buckingham Palace and helping delivering food with ELCAP
Bobby Robson on guard at Buckingham Palace and helping delivering food with ELCAP

“While I’m back I wanted to take the opportunity to help the community by delivering food for people can’t get out to do their shopping at this time,” said Bobby, who lives in Hetton.

“I’m hoping to encourage more people to do their bit and help these volunteers, who did amazing things before the virus.

“I don’t know when I will have to go back to London and I know the team at ELCAP could do with more volunteers.”

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Bobby has been in the army for nine-and-a-half years and is now based in London and Windsor guarding St James’s Palace, the Tower of London, Windor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

Dave Ellison with shopping for vulnerable peopleDave Ellison with shopping for vulnerable people
Dave Ellison with shopping for vulnerable people
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Dave Ellison, part time transport manager at ELCAP, said: “We’re keeping in line with social distancing – one of us is driving the minibus while the other delivers food packages. We have a credit card system too.

“It’s been an amazing team effort and the council hub is doing a fantastic job coordinating everything.

“Tesco have been great to at helping us get the food we need to deliver to people who are unable to head out on their own.”

Catherine,Dave,Leslie and Neil leaving Tesco to deliver shopping.Catherine,Dave,Leslie and Neil leaving Tesco to deliver shopping.
Catherine,Dave,Leslie and Neil leaving Tesco to deliver shopping.
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The voluntary team is made up of three part time drivers with ELCAP, who are currently furloughed, plus an five additional helps who are showing their support.

Anyone who wants to help support the effort should get in touch with Sunderland City Council or ELCAP directly.

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