Windermere Lake Cruises are donating food and drink from its vessels and pier cafes to Morecambe Bay’s hospitals, as a gesture of goodwill to the frontline NHS key workers working to keep local people safe. In line with government instructions not to operate due to the Coronavirus crisis, the attraction is donating snacks and beverages from both onboard and onshore shops which would otherwise have gone to waste.
Among the recipients of the refreshments from the Boatman’s Café and Pier Café are staff at the intensive care unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, which will receive almost 150 items including soft drinks and crisps.
Windermere Lake Cruises operations director John Woodburn’s daughter, Jennifer Woodburn, is part of the team on the unit, and says: “A huge thank you to Windermere Lake Cruises and all local companies who have donated items to us. The drinks are a much needed treat on our short breaks after hours in hot PPE and all the staff are very grateful for this extremely generous donation.
“We love our job and we are and will do our very best for patients and their friends/relatives in such hard times. It is difficult but this little treat during breaks is a great boost keeping us going.”
John Woodburn adds: “The temporary suspension of our services has inevitably led to several vans’ worth of food and drink that we can’t sell.
“We hate seeing anything go to waste and we are proud of our track record of finding alternative use for all sorts of items in the past, from lost property to old uniforms. We’re pleased to be able to do our bit for the medical staff who are risking their lives to keep the rest of us safe, and we sincerely thank them for everything they are continuing to do to save lives.”
