VOLUNTEERS who helped deliver who have helped deliver the Covid-19 vaccines in the Newton Abbot area were thanked at a special event.

They also helped raise thousands of pounds for the local foodbank charity THAT in the process.

The Rotary Club of Dartmoor Vale organised the special get together at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

Chris Gibson, one of the nurses who has delivered the vaccine himself, was full of praise for the volunteers who had helped make the Newton Abbot area’s fightback against the pandemic so successful.

He was so impressed with how they turned out day in, day out to guide people to their vaccine, whatever the weather, that he has written a poem – which you can read to the right of this article. He read the poem out to the volunteers when they gathered.

Ian Gray, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Dartmoor Vale, said that he was proud to be part of this team of volunteers and medical professionals.

He added: ‘The volunteers have had such a positive attitude, they have been dedicated, reliable, flexible in relation to what they were asked to do, and so supportive and compassionate when dealing with the patients – they have been amazing.’

Ian Gray and fellow Rotarian Paul Haarer were both involved in the Rota organisation.

Mike Beer, of Rotary Club of Dartmoor Vale, adds: ‘As the Racecourse facilities have finished it’s work I can tell you that from the time we had a collection bucket there we managed to collect the amazing sum of £2,830 all of which we presented to THAT to assist them in their support for the less fortunate, the last payment being made last week.

‘My club’s thanks must go to my fellow Rotarian Rick Birmingham for his time and dedication to this particular aspect of my Club’s charitable work.’