Thornton friends looking for volunteers for their group to help people in isolation

Emily Hilton, 18, and Erin Wilshaw, 19, both live on Fairclough Road in Thornton, and after many years of friendship decided to team up to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emily, a former Millfield High School pupil and Erin, a former Hodgson pupil, both attended Blackpool Sixth Form and went on to the University of Manchester together.

While studying midwifery and psychology respectively, both moved back to their family homes in Thornton after the university's closure and wanted to help anyone in their area who needed it.

Emily said: "I was on a placement at North Manchester General Hospital before I moved back to Thornton, and I've recently applied to help out in maternity at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

"My mum and I went to check on one of our elderly neighbours last week, and the look of relief on his face when he realised he wasn't alone made me determined to do what I could to help others.

"Erin and I decided to put together a team of volunteers to cover Fairclough Road and the surrounding area, and if it works well we're hoping to be able to help the whole of Thornton."

Initially, the group will cover the Fairclough Road area of Thornton, between West Drive and up to Marsh Mill Village, although this would be extended after a successful trial.

Emily attends Christ Church on Meadows Avenue, and said that although her church in Manchester had a large young congregation, Christ Church had more elderly people, sparking her concern for their welfare.

She said that by thinking of them, she realised there may be elderly or vulnerable people in isolation without help from relatives or friends.

Erin and Emily have set up an email address for volunteers to contact with offers of support, or for people to reach out to if they need help.

Email [email protected] for more information.