BRILLIANT Redditch takeaways, restaurants, shops and supermarkets have been rallying round to support the hard-pressed staff at the Alex.
From Nandos to Biddles, Mason Road Post Office to the Fisherman’s Catch, Sicily Pizzas to the Rectory Road fish bar they’ve all played their part.
As have Sainsbury’s, Tesco and McDonald’s, but one Redditch business that has truly gone out of their way to help has been Batchley Fish Bar.
And the medic who’s been co-ordinating the emergency food runs to staff at the Alex – he doesn’t want to be named, nor does his Redditch Councillor colleague – can’t praise Andrew Elinas and his team at the award winning fish and chip shop enough.
“They have been brilliant – in fact none of the places who have helped us wanted any publicity but I thought what they’ve done is worth shouting about,” he said.
“I’m going to be taking 30 odd fish and chip and sausage meals down to frontline staff in Accident & Emergency and to the Minor Injuries Unit tonight (Tuesday, March 24) and it’s all thanks to Batchley Fish Bar.
“They started supporting us last week and then they said they were closing dur to the situation and wanted to put to good use all their perishable goods.
“They wanted zero publicity and said they were doing it as a goodwill gesture which made me more motivated to give them a mention.
“The staff at the Alex are working long shifts, I know, I’ve been there, and you work straight through and it’s not until you finally finish that you realise you haven’t had a meal or a pee all day – it’s that busy.”
Mr Elinas said: “I just wanted to do my bit for society, it’s just a humble gesture.
“We’re very fortunate, and what was I going to do with all the food? The staff at the Alex are doing us all a favour, God bless them.”
The food runs were organised to not only provide much needed meals for the staff but also as a moral boost as they battle the coronavirus.
Every business contacted stepped forward to help, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s donating ready meals, McDonald’s drinks and Sicily Pizzas stepping in at the last moment to help out, no questions asked.
“Everyone has been brilliant – and B&M has offered to help too but I’ve been so knackered I haven’t been able to get to them yet,” said the medic.
“However all the food throughout the week has been received gratefully by the hard working staff at the wonderful Alex hospital.”
