Harry Maguire sets up food package network for elderly people in his hometown

England international footballer Harry Maguire has doubled down on his efforts to help others through the Covid-19 crisis by setting up a food package network to ensure pensioners in his home town have everyday essentials.

Premier League players have been under increasing scrutiny to take pay cuts on their multi-million pound wages recently. And that triggered this week’s announcement that they would be setting up #PlayersTogether to generate funds for NHS Charities Together so the group can help frontline health workers.

The Manchester United skipper played a central role in organising the initiative and now he has turned to his hometown to ensure that elderly people in Mosborough, a village near Sheffield, are not going without.

Maguire has teamed up with two retailers in the village, Herrings Top Shop and Fields Fruit and Veg, to put together a food package of everyday essentials that will be delivered to people aged over 70 from next week.

“I am very proud of my Mosborough roots,” Maguire told the Sheffield Star. “It’s where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can. There’s always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment.

“In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly, so I just wanted to do something to help those who need it most.

“Herrings Top Shop is a bit of an institution in Mosborough, so my dad and I approached them about creating food packages of everyday essentials to those aged 70-and-over – or their carers – in the local area.

“Herrings have been brilliant in helping us to make this happen, as have their suppliers Fields Fruit and Veg, who are going to carry out all of the deliveries – so it’s been an incredible team effort so far. My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling.”

Maguire’s message was posted on the local community Facebook page, which thanked him for his efforts.

The Mosborough Community Forum post read: “Harry recognises the difficulty for some of our older residents getting out and about currently – plus the amazing friends, family and carers that have been looking after them. Therefore, he wanted to do something to help. Harry is arranging for the food parcels to be kindly made up by Herrings Top Shop. These will be then delivered by Fields Fruit and Veg so it’s a real community effort!

“As well as the two retailers, we would just like to say thank you to Harry and his family for this act of kindness and helping the elderly in the Mosborough community.”

While the coronavirus lockdown is causing hardship for vulnerable groups, not least Big Issue vendors, there is also a groundswell of community spirit across the country. The Big Issue magazine is keeping track of them – head here for a dose of good people doing good things.

Image: Mosborough Community Forum/Facebook