The COVID-19 virus is hitting the most vulnerable people in our communities hard. In addition to the obvious health-related impact, those without access to food either through self-isolation, in sickness or prevention, or hardship are suffering greatly.

I am proud that our union, Spirit of Shankly, has played its part in trying to alleviate some of that suffering by delivering food bags to those most in need across Liverpool and the Wirral.

Deliveries made on Monday, 30 March, took the total number of parcels distributed over the past four days to more than 300. Each individual or family was nominated by SOS members, some may even have been members themselves.

In addition, we have provided food parcels for staff at over 12 NHS sites as a token of thanks to those on the front line for the unbelievable work they are doing during this crisis.

I would personally like to record my thanks to SOS committee members Kieth Culvin and Ste Monaghan for their drive and determination in making this happen. I would also like to thank Carol Kelly, James North and their team at Morrisons in Speke, Liverpool, who spent hours collating and bagging all of the food.

Finally thanks to our intrepid taxi drivers, Tony Caveney, Frank Doherty, Philly Taylforth and (Evertonian) Phil Hardwick who volunteered their time to make all of the deliveries.

These are worrying times but these acts of human kindness and compassion amply demonstrate the values of our union and football fans in general.

Unity is Strength.

Joe Blott, Chair Spirit of Shankly