Thousands of Easter eggs being delivered to delighted children across Rochdale as ‘thank you’ to families for following lockdown rules

Thousands of Easter eggs are being delivered to delighted children across Rochdale as ‘thank you’ to families for following coronavirus lockdown rules.

The chocolate treats are being distributed by Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership to homes where a rainbow is spotted on display in the window or those visited by outreach workers.

A massive 2,635 eggs will be sent out between now and Easter Sunday – around 450 per day.

The goodies have been donated by local businesses and residents, and are delivered by the partnership, which is headed up by Rochdale Council and GMP.

One family who were left overjoyed by a surprise visit from police officers turned Easter bunnies were the Marshalls, from Burnedge.

Mum-of-three Rebecca Marshall took to Twitter to post a picture of her three children – Eva-Leigh, 11, Charlie, 8, and 19-month-old Rosie – beaming as they proudly display their Easter gifts.

She said: “It was fantastic, it’s tough for everyone at the moment, but the police and other frontline workers are so busy, so for them to take time out is just overwhelming.

“Just to go around delivering them themselves, taking into account what everyone else is going through, it warms the heart. Everyone has commented on that picture, it has got so many positive comments, even from people I don’t know.”

Schools across the borough closed to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers last month after the government brought in lockdown measures to combat the spread of coronavirus.

And Rebecca says that not being able to see their friends has been the most difficult aspect for Eva-Leigh and Charlie, who go to Crompton House and St Thomas Moorside respectively.

“The hardest thing has been the interaction with other children, that’s what they have missed most,” she said.

“They’ve got each other as siblings but that’s not always a good thing! They do miss social interaction, although they have friends on the street, so when we go, we’re all waving to each other and having a quick conversation from the other side of the road.”

Youth worker Rebecca says the gesture was appreciated by the whole family – who have found lockdown ‘tough’ with work drying up for her, while her husband continues to teach those who cannot be home-schooled.

“It’s been a worrying time, but what’s good is everyone is in it together and we are all going through the same thing,” she said. 

Another appreciative resident was mum-of-two Jennie Marshall, from Milnrow, who echoed Rebecca’s sentiments.

She said: “It was so nice and unexpected to get a knock at the door – the kids were so excited to see the police, it made their week.

“It can be tricky to juggle family life at the best of times so it’s lovely that the council and police are doing something to reward families.”

 

Lucian Chadwick, 5, from Castleton was 'made up' with the egg he received. His mum, Keeley Parker said: "Lucian has had to be in school while I go work, as I am a lead nurse at Fairfield General Hospital but I have been on annual leave this week so we're spending some quality time together."

"It's lovely to see police making kids happy in such a difficult time."

Superintendent Richard Hunt, co-chair of the Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership, said the authorities wanted to say ‘thank you’ to families across the borough for supporting government measures.

“It’s a tough time for everyone and when people stick to the guidance it really helps in protecting the NHS and other services including the police,” he said.

“Thanks to everyone who is working hard to keep us all safe and to the GMP and council officers who are spreading joy with their visits. Local businesses have been really generous so far, and if anyone else would like to contribute please get in touch this week.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Council, added: “Our borough always has an incredible sense of community spirit which really brings out the best in people when times get tough. Businesses are generously supporting this initiative and it’s lovely to see families sharing on social media what the gesture means to them.”

Rochdale Council has set up a special phone line to support families with essential food or medical supplies, child development and health advice, mental health support and advice on healthy relationships. 

Residents can visit ourrochdale.org.uk or call the council on 0300 303 8801.

Anyone worried about the safety of a child in their community is asked to call the safeguarding hub on 0300 303 0440.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter