Marlow Bottom residents help the elderly battle coronavirus

In July, £3,300 was raised through the ‘Helping Hand Fund’, which was set up by MB residents in Maria Graciela Fernandez and Louise Osbourne, who wanted to help those who need it the most in the village.

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After the fund was set up, many people have got involved to help the elderly, needy and vulnerable by making and delivering meals to those in need, whilst also offering helping hands in terms of battling with loneliness, by offering comfort and support.

The Italian restaurant, Da Luca, as well as the village’s social club, The Barn, have also played a huge part in helping the vulnerable during the current pandemic as they too have offered meals and deliveries.

Coronavirus has so far claimed the lives of over 41,000 people in the UK.

Maria told the Free Press: “The fund was spontaneously created as a follow up from a couple of wonderful [social media] posts, by those of us that wanted to contribute to help the most vulnerable in the Valley and it is managed by a team of people.

“The past [few] months have been challenging but it has been heart-warming to see how positive community spirit can help people through tough times.

“Marlow Bottom Valley residents really have delivered.

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“Recognising the needs of many vulnerable neighbours in the early stages of the Government’s imposed restrictions, resourceful and committed residents garnered skills and enthusiasm to set up a fund for donations (which is continuing now, even as restrictions ease).

“The idea came as residents noticed the numerous acts of kindness that were happening to take care of people living in the valley.

Maria Graciela Fernandez

“The Helping Hand fund was not the only positive energy that helped people in Marlow Bottom through the darker days of lockdown.

“And I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that contributed to the Marlow Bottom resident Helping Hand fund which paid for the ingredients for meals.

“This is another example of the wonderful community spirit we are lucky to have around us.”

Several of the residents helping the elderly 

Maria also wanted to single out one Marlow Bottom resident in particular, with that person being Shelley Robson, who works at the Barn Club.

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She said: “Shelley went above and beyond to support the local elderly and vulnerable residents of Marlow Bottom, she did so much to help such as preparing free lunches, shopping and pharmacy runs, checking in on people and assisting them when necessary, and we are all very grateful for her support.

"The fund was established as an emergency source of finance, a way of reimbursing local businesses who began coordinating efforts with willing volunteers to provide much-needed support for people in need.

"Using social media to engage the wider community, the compassion and generosity extended throughout the neighbourhood with people delivering home-cooked Sunday roast dinners and delicious food to those who would benefit."