A big Tenby team effort has been praised after a group of volunteers from the town set up a ‘together stronger’ Facebook group to help vulnerable people during the pandemic.

On behalf of the group Julie Wickland (who in turn has praised fellow helpers Sara Fecci, Mavis Brown, Nicola Coates and Ann Hughes herself) has thanked everyone for their support in Pembrokeshire in contributing donations, and in turn have been thanked themselves.

The helpers have been collecting boxes of food for vulnerable/disabled/shielding adults, children and key workers such as firefighters over the past few months.

“They have worked so hard, contacting local shops and businesses for donations and spending their time and energy ensuring people have been looked after and dropping food boxes weekly, and deserve some recognition, respect and praise for their hard work and determination,” said one lady, Suzie, who contacted the Observer over the group’s efforts.

Julie thanked individuals and local businesses that have contributed throughout the pandemic and acted as drop-off points: “We couldn’t do it if they hadn’t donated. It started on March 10 and the last delivery will be Saturday, August 15.

“Suzie was the first person asking for help for her father so if I hadn’t seen that post I might not have started it.

“I am so proud of Tenby - the community is the strongest and has donated the most,” continued Julie who along with the rest of the volunteers have covered further parts of Pembrokeshire, across Pembroke Dock, Hakin, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Clarbeston Road, Goodwick and Fishguard.

Locally Tenby’s Co-op and Sainsbury’s, Tenby post office and the Paddock bakery in Penally have donated; along with Morrisons in Haverfordwest; whilst Tescos in Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest have given gift cards to the cause.

“Norton farm have donated potatoes every single week; Tan y Castell in Narberth; Princes Gate have been supplying fizzy flavoured water for the children in shielding; Eileen’s Post office in Merlin’s Bridge; Majella Thomas; Asda in Pembroke Dock have just contacted me with £50 worth of food this week - it’s amazing!” continued Julie about the kind help that has been forthcoming.

“Thank you to everyone that has and sis till is donating, without everyone’s help we could not have achieved this.

“I started this journey with just one person to offer support to at the beginning of the madness and it grew to more elderly people and high risk families.

“Just to win the trust of these people was very hard to start with but now they enjoy a chat to. Much love to you all!” she added.