Hucknall community group delivered essentials to terminally ill father allowing him to self-isolate

Volunteers Donna Taylor and Claire Pyle delivering leaflets letting people know about the service

Tony from Hucknall called into BBC Radio Nottingham to plead with locals to stop panic buying.

During his radio interview he said: “I’ve been warned by doctors and that if I was to contract coronavirus the chances of coming through is not very good.

“It will kill me. This is a fact.

“On Sunday the police found my brother dead. He was 40-years-old.

“That means if I contract this my mother will be burying two of her sons this year.”

But with all delivery slots full until April 8, Tony’s wife Sam was forced to go out day after day in search food and nappies for their three kids, the youngest of whom is 18- months-old and all she found was empty shelves.

Tony said his wife was “frightened to death” about picking the virus up and passing it to him.

He said: “She’s got her head in her hands.”

Sam said: “It’s a nightmare at the minute. What if I catch it and pass it on to my husband?”

All 39 BBC local radio stations, including BBC Radio Nottingham, have launched a new feature called Make a Difference which gives half hourly updates on the coronavirus and connects local groups with those in need.

Within hours of the interview BBC Radio Nottingham had received dozens of calls from people offering to help.

And a group called Hucknall Community Care coronavirus heard the plea and made contact with Tony and his family. And they were able to deliver him vital goods.

Kate Edwards, who set up the group, told the BBC: “We have had an absolutely phenomenal response from across Hucknall, hundreds of volunteers have come together.”

They are leafleting every house in the area with contact details of those who can offer help.

BBC Radio Nottingham editor, Chris Pegg, said: “It’s amazing to see Nottingham coming together at such a difficult time.

“The community spirit here is inspiring.

“If you need need help, or are able to help, join a local group like Hucknall Community Care coronavirus or call the Make a Difference line on 0800678 3434.”