Adrian Smith, Group Managing Director for Swift Couriers added:

These are unprecedented times and therefore we must all pull together to look after those most vulnerable. At Swift Couriers, we are committed to working with all parties to be able to scale-up this operation and provide the relevant expertise and technologies where possible and draw from our greatest asset, our people and look forward to working alongside the team from Age Concern and Newbury Racecourse over the coming weeks.

Swift Couriers have also pledged to provide vans to deliver snack packs to outlying areas to help the most vulnerable people in the Borough.

The Meals on Wheels service will continue to be a paid-for service, with orders made over the phone. Those wishing to obtain the service who are over 65 can call 01635 40488 to order meals. The lunchtime service will run 7 days a week from Good Friday with phase planning to meet the growing demand. Efforts will support and be supported by the emergency Coronavirus appeal which the Greenham Trust has recently launched.

Age Concern Newbury & District have delivered meals on wheels in the district for over 50 years and have developed a safe solution scrutinised by Healthwatch in consultation with Adult Social Care and Public Health that will be scaled up by working with Newbury Racecourse and Swift.

Newbury Racecourse are pledging their support to the initiative by providing a Meals on Wheels hub using the available kitchens and chefs at the racecourse to support the escalating number of vulnerable people who require the service.

Chefs from both the Fair Close Centre run by Age Concern Newbury & District and Newbury Racecourse will prepare hot meals.

For those wishing to support the efforts, the Greenham Trust has also launched a public appeal on its charitable funding platform, The Good Exchange, and pledged to match up to £100,000 of this funding for donations received via the platform.