AS a gesture of thanks to his local NHS staff, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness has provided free Marks and Spencer meals for employees at Macclesfield Hospital and Royal Bolton Hospital.

Paddy, who lives in the Macclesfield area, wanted to recognise the incredible efforts trust staff have gone to in recent months in dealing with the COVID pandemic.

Knutsford Guardian:

The assorted packed lunches were given out yesterday, Thursday, and distributed over a 24-hour period to ensure fair distribution for staff working different shifts.

The trust’s volunteers also helped distribute the meals to busy ward staff.

Knutsford Guardian:

East Cheshire NHS Trust Chief Executive John Wilbraham said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Paddy, who has supported our services previously, for making this happen, together with our own volunteers and Marks and Spencer.

“It’s a lovely gesture and something which was very well received by our hardworking staff after such a challenging period for them.”