On Air Now Alex Cann 6:00am - 11:00am
Now Playing George Michael Kissing A Fool

Cooking up a storm for NHS workers on the frontlines

A nurse from Denton who can't go to work because she's high risk is instead baking pies and other treats to keep up the spirits of her colleagues.

Sarah Haddow would usually be working in St Mary’s Theatre at Central Manchester Hospital this week, but has been told to stay safe at home due to her health conditions.

She takes immunosuppressants and has diabetes so has been told to self-isolate to reduce her chance of catching the Coronavirus.

Instead she’s swapped the scrubs for scales and has been baking pies, making curries and preparing treats for staff that are working hard to on the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

“I went into work last Monday and they said you’ll have to go home for the 12 weeks isolation shielding” she explained.

“I cried all the way home but I’m doing the right thing. I’m a single mum and I’ve got to stay safe.

“Our theatre is renowned for our fantastic buffets. Whenever we have a birthday, an anniversary or something to celebrate everyone brings a dish in and we have a buffet.

“It lifts morale on a normal workday, never mind a time like this, and makes everyone happy.

“So while I cant do anything stuck at home I thought I’m going to make them a cheese and onion pie, because they love them. I thought it would lift morale.”

As Sarah cooks a team of volunteers help ferry her creations to the hospital to lift the spirits of those battling on the frontlines.

She leaves the food in the porch and they collect it and take it in clean containers to those who need it most.

It's grown beyond just pies as others in the community come together to help out.

Donations have come in from a Haughton Green cafe who donated containers and drinks, while others have dropped off packs of meat to help with the cooking.

From that first pie Sarah’s buffets have grown and grown, taking over the kitchen at her Denton home.

She says she uses only the best ingredients, but as a result costs have started to spiral.

“I set up a JustGiving page hoping for £50 to make three pies. Lo and behold the page snowballed and we’ve got over £1,000 to date now.

“I’m so busy, it’s taken over my little kitchen. I’m just glad its cold because all the fruit and veg is being stored in the shed. As they say in jaws I’m going to need a bigger boat!”

Being unable to leave her home, her friends Lisa Privett, Christine Davies and Claire Rhodes have been helping out to keep the kitchen stocked with ingredients.

As news of her charitable endeavours spread, donations have began to pour in. She said: “We’ve had that many donations I’ve had to contact our colleagues at Manchester Royal.

“The theatres are absolutely full so I’m sending some pies and drinks to them today.

“People have donated hand creams, crisps - all sorts of things really.”

Anyone who wants to help is asked to donate to the JustGiving Page by searching for Sarah Haddow. Sarah is also looking for sandwich platters and anyone who can help her source some is asked to contact her directly on 07701 071703.

More from Tameside Reporter

Weather

  • Tue

    14°C

  • Wed

    12°C

  • Thu

    11°C

  • Fri

    10°C