Jo’s treat bags brings joy to NHS staff in Epping

Jo Middleton, a receptionist at the Limes Medical Practice in Waltham Abbey has been creating treat bags for the vaccinators and staff at the vaccination centre at St Margaret’s Hospital. The bags – filled with cakes, sandwiches, biscuits and other treats – are funded by donations following the death of her dad from Coronavirus on 3 January.

Jo says that the death of her father, Ken, came as a shock to all of them and the family wanted to do something in his memory.

Ken, 78, who also lived in Waltham Abbey, was very popular and a great character. They weren’t able to give him a big send off and all his friends and family wanted to donate to a good cause following his death.

Jo explains: “We didn’t want Dad to be a Covid statistic. He was a dad, grandad, great granddad, partner and brother. He was adored and we wanted him to be remembered in some way. I saw first -hand how hard the vaccinators are working and how they are doing their best to reassure people.

“We thought a little bag of treats would give them a real boost as they carry on vaccinating the community.”

Jo has already delivered two loads of treats and has enough money donated to deliver at least 10 more batches. She says that everyone has been ‘delighted’ to receive their treat bags.

She concludes: “We’ve had a horrible time with many losses over the last few weeks and I think this helped give us a sense of purpose.  I am so pleased we can give something back to the community and I am sure my dad would have be very proud.”