Intensive care staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital have been receiving an extra boost, thanks to a new food parcels initiative.

Giving Back, Oxfordshire has been started by Hope Vineyard - a new church and charity based in Oxford.

Working in partnership with Oxford Hospitals Charity, by the end of February just over 3,200 meals have been delivered to intensive care staff.

One hundred meals are sent in daily to critical care teams, who for over a year have been working tirelessly to treat patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

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The idea came from Laura Jay, who had recently started volunteering at one of Hope Vineyard’s other projects called Small Steps, providing clothes and equipment for children aged up to 10.

She said: “I’ve felt immense gratitude for the support I’ve received from the NHS.

“It’s been a hard year for everyone, but there can be no doubt, the workload and pressures on Intensive Care Unit staff have been relentless and unprecedented.

The West Wing of the John Radcliffe Hospital

The West Wing of the John Radcliffe Hospital

"The deliveries are carefully coordinated and we have linked in with Oxford Hospitals Charity, as they are providing mass support for patients and staff across four hospitals in the county. We’ve been told the meals have helped to sustain staff during a long shift, and also provide a sense of solidarity and support from the local community, which really lifts morale.”

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Josh Kay from Hope Vineyard Oxford, added: ‘We are always keen to be engaged in our community and find practical ways to make a difference locally. This is a unique opportunity to say thank you in a meaningful way to staff working on the frontline during this pandemic."

The meals are being bought from local restaurants, La Cucina and Vaults & Garden, at a discounted rate, so the project is also helping the local economy.

Mr Kay added: “This is our opportunity as a community to say thank you and show our support. We would like to continue this initiative for two days a week into March, so are aiming to raise a further £8,600 to continue until the end of March.”

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Sarah Vaccari, from Oxford Hospitals Charity, added: “We are really grateful for this huge effort from the Hope Vineyard team. Our charity knows well what a difference acts of kindness can make – especially to staff in our hospitals right now.”

More information about making a donation be found on justgiving.com/campaign/givingbackoxford.

Mr Kay added: ‘If you’re donating, please don’t forget to leave your words of encouragement on the JustGiving page that we can share with staff on the frontline.”

For more on Oxford Hospitals Charity visit hospitalcharity.co.uk.