Kind Cosham couple to offer free sandwiches to help people struggling to feed their families

Kind retired pair Bernard and Pauline Aarons want to give something back to those who might be unable to afford to put food on the table due to coronavirus, and are planning to put on a week of lunches from Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2.

From midday to 2pm each day, the Cosham duo will be providing supermarket sandwiches and crisps from outside their home at 37 Court Lane to people in desperate need after being touched by the plight of families featured on news reports.

Bernard, 74, said: ‘When I watch the news on the TV and a lady comes on who says she can’t afford to feed her family, my heart goes out to her.

‘With the virus coming back, there’s going to be even more sadness and heartache. I thought, is there something I can do, because it keeps pulling on my heartstrings?’

The couple printed leaflets which they have handed out around Cosham, and when one was shared on Facebook it picked up a lot of interest from people who offered support to fund the act of kindness.

Jo Evans from Drayton spotted the post and wanted to get involved to help the couple receive support from supermarkets and businesses for their kind idea.

Jo, who has managed to secure sandwich donations from her local Co-op, said: ‘I saw it on Facebook and so I contacted Bernard because I thought it was such a lovely thing for him to have done and wanted to offer support.’

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Bernard and Pauline have lived in Cosham for five and a half years after moving from Walthamstow to be near their family which now includes two children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

‘I have no idea how many people might come,’ Bernard added.

‘I just want to help people, it’s so sad when you read the news. So many people are suffering and more will suffer going forwards.’

Offers of support or donations are welcomed, and Bernard hopes to be able to borrow a gazebo to put up in case of rain.

For more information, contact Bernard and Pauline on (023) 9307 6134.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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