Emsworth family serves up hot meals to people in need in memory of much-loved grandad

Hot dinners are being created by Kerry and Kane Conroy for a very special reason – to pay tribute to Kerry’s grandad Percy Bishop, who died in March aged 93.

Kerry’s mum Dawn Simmonds used to deliver a fresh meal to ‘Grandad Bish’ every day in the seven years since his wife passed away, and so the Conroys wanted to give something back to the community for Grandad Bish.

Despite originally planning to do it for a week, an amazing response and nearly £1,200 in donations has led the pair, along with their four young children, to try and continue the Bish’s Dishes service for as long as possible.

Kerry, 32, said: ‘This is helping the local community who are really struggling. People have been so supportive and the feedback has been really amazing.

‘Our street are all getting involved to bake for us - we have had lots of offers for donations of food and people who are happy to deliver.’

People are able to request meals they would like to receive, and on Fridays the family deliver fish and chips, which was Grandad Bish’s favourite treat at the end of the week.

The first week this was offered, Whistlers in Westbourne provided the order on the house in memory of Kerry’s grandad in a kind gesture.

Avis Chand is one of the lucky recipients of delicious meals such as roast dinner and apple crumble, Moroccan chicken with sweet potato mash and beef stroganoff with chocolate cake.

Avis said: ‘Kerry and her team have been a life saver for me, as I am disabled and housebound, in times like this, I find there are so many people who have helped me.’

Another resident supported by the team is Patricia Whitbread, who leaves a thank you note with every clean plate she returns.

‘You don’t realise how much it’s affecting their lives, it’s really emotional,’ Kerry told The News.

‘All of them are so lovely, it’s been an absolute pleasure to help them.’

To find out more or donate, visit facebook.com/donate/2517856191787522.

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