Local biscuit company, Farmhouse Biscuits, have rebranded their classic mild ginger biscuits to say “Thank You NHS” to health service staff following the COVID-19 pandemic. 10p from every packet sold will be donated to ELHT&Me, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity.
The company, founded in 1962, is a family-owned business with factories based in Nelson and Pendle. Having seen the hard work and sacrifice of NHS staff in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the management team decided to relaunch one of their much-loved biscuits in “Thank You NHS” rainbow packaging and make donations to their local hospital.
Gill McIvor, CEO of Farmhouse Biscuits, said: “We are just so proud to put a little back into our fabulous NHS, who have been taking great care of us all for over 70 years.
“After facing one of their toughest challenges to date with COVID-19, it felt like the right thing to do.”
ELHT&Me, the official charity for Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching Hospitals, as well as Accrington Victoria, Pendle and Clitheroe Community Hospitals, raises funds and distributes donations to improve environment and experience for patients and staff.
Funds raised during the pandemic, including those from sales of the biscuits, are used to support initiatives and projects that make the pandemic response more managable. From ‘Oasis’ rooms for staff to take some time out and relax, to iPads keeping patients in touch with their friends and families following visitor restrictions, donations from local companies and organisations make a real difference to those providing and receiving care in the region’s hospitals.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Farmhouse Biscuits on this project”, said Christine Hughes, Director of Communications and Engagement at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. “It’s a huge honour for the company to have rebranded one of their classic biscuits to highlight the amazing work of our NHS staff, and we hope that the local community will get behind the campaign and purchase a pack to support us.”
The Trust is also encouraging staff and the local community to “have a biscuit and a brew” to mark the NHS’ 72nd birthday on 5 July, and share their images on social media using the hashtags #ELHTeaAndBiscuits and #ThankYouNHS.
“Sharing tea and biscuits is such a traditional British pastime, and what better way to celebrate the birthday of our health service, and the dedication of its staff during this challenging time, than to enjoy a classic ‘biscuit and a brew’”, said Christine.
The biscuits can be purchased in Booths and Spar stores nationwide, as well as farm shops and garden centres across the country. They are also available online, at www.farmhouse-biscuits.myshopify.com.
