A hospice nurse has sent an emotional message of thanks to kindhearted shop workers after she was ‘blown away’ by a touching gesture of gratitude.
Janine Warner, who works at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester, was moved to tears when staff at the local Esso garage and Spar discounted her shopping to show their appreciation for her dedication to continuing to provide vital care during the coronavirus pandemic.
The mum-of-four had called in to buy food for her children to eat while she was at work, when she was recognised as a nurse from the charity’s Bath Road hospice, Acorns for the Three Counties.
Janine, who is Deputy Head Nurse at the hospice, shared her heartfelt thanks in a video message.
She said: “It put me on such a high that someone had been so kind and said thank you for something I do every day as a nurse. I’m so blown away by the kindness someone else, that’s made me realise how saying thank you is so important.”
Janine initially thought she had selected too many items from the shelves but was met with a wonderful surprise.
She explained: “I had a few different things and when I got to the till, the ladies behind the counter started whispering. I thought ‘oh gosh they’re going to ask me to start putting things back’.
“But she said, ‘thank you’ and I looked at the screen where all my shopping was and they’d put a discount on. She said, ‘we’re doing a discount for the NHS staff and you’re a nurse as well, so we’ve put the discount on for you’.
“I was so overwhelmed and taken back by the kindness of these people that I started to cry. I couldn’t get over it, it was so emotional. Everybody is being so kind, and everybody is pulling together. It is just so amazing that at times like this, when we need to, we do all pull together.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice has stepped-up in response to the coronavirus crisis and launched emergency plans to help the most vulnerable families in the local community.
There are around 600 families supported by the charity across the West Midlands who are now self-isolating and alone, as they care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
Acorns has mobilised staff and volunteers to deliver care-packages of essentials, toiletries, treats and games for children, as well as emotional support.
As well as this, Acorns made the unprecedented decision to close its hospice in Birmingham for the first time in over 30 years and offer it to the NHS as an extra facility that could be used to treat covid-19 patients.
Acorns needs the support of the community and local businesses more than ever as it continues to care for some of the region’s most vulnerable families and support our NHS.
Together we are stronger and together we are fighting Coronavirus
We need you, now more than ever, to support Acorns as we stand together with our local communities in the fight against coronavirus.
Whilst we must all stay safe at home where possible, there are so many ways that you can still get involved, including:
Boredom Busters
Staying at home doesn’t have to be dull! Check out our family activity pack.
Give a donation
Help fund vital emergency and end of life care across our three hospices.
Set up a regular gift
Setting up a regular donation will help us continue caring throughout this uncertain time.
Boredom Beats
We’re making the best Spotify playlist – and YOU choose the songs!
Virtual events
Up for a challenge? Take part in an event from the comfort of your own home.
Virtual bucket collection
Whilst we can’t be out doing bucket collections, hold a virtual collection instead!
