A JOHNSTONE woman has donated a collection of treats to NHS heroes staying at a Renfrewshire hotel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jackie Dierikx, 56, brought a selection of sweets, magazines and microwavable meals to nurses at the Bowfield Hotel and Country Club, in Howwood, during the ‘Clap for Carers’ applause for key workers.

Around 14 nurses required to self-isolate away from their families during the Covid-19 crisis have been living at the hotel since the beginning of the lockdown, after free rooms were offered to NHS staff when it had to suspend bookings in March.

“Some of the nurses haven’t seen their families for eight weeks,” Jackie told The Gazette. “They’re not allowed near their families because they’re working in Covid-19 wards. It’s really tough for them.

“I decided to donate boxes with goodies and luxuries to them, as a wee gift to show our appreciation.”

Mum-of-three Jackie, who owns Howwood Village Store, arranged for 12-year-old piper Fergus Dorrington to provide some musical entertainment during the applause, with the Domino’s Pizza store in Johnstone delivering free food to the hotel.

As an extra surprise for the nurses, a sign-writer created a banner to put outside the hotel and Jackie’s store which read: ‘Thank-you to all the NHS staff and key workers from the residents of Howwood!’

Jackie decided to organise the event to show frontline workers staying at the hotel that their efforts are appreciated.

She said: “When everybody stands outside their house clapping, these nurses are up at the Bowfield and they don’t see anybody clapping for them.

“I made a wee speech to say how they are doing a wonderful job and it takes a special person to live apart from their family so they can help others.”

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