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Deeside GP receives gift of a caravan to support work in the community

Mark will have a caravan to call home for the coming weeks

By Chris Littley

Mark Harney, a GP from Quay Health Centre in Connah’s Quay, has been the recipient of a new caravan to help him to continue to provide much-needed community support during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

A plea went out via social media by Mark on Sunday evening for anyone who could help him to isolate away from his family in case any of them show symptoms of the illness.

He explained that if anyone in his household was to fall ill then it would require him to self-isolate for a minimum of two weeks, which could have a significant impact on his ability to support others at a time when health services are facing unprecedented challenges and pressure.

“I want to thank everyone in the community for sharing the appeal as far and wide as it went, I am very grateful,” Mark told Leader Live.

It wasn’t long before a welcome offer came in, with Spinney Motorhomes and Caravans in Queensferry rising to the occasion. The firm has donated one of its unused caravans for Mark to use in the coming weeks, with the vehicle set to be his new home for the foreseeable future.

“As a family-run business, we like to work within our community,” said Rob Farmer, sales manager of Spinney. “We had a van just sat there as part of our stock and thought this would be a good way to put it to use rather than sitting in our lot whilst the business is closed.

“We had the caravan cleaned and delivered to Mark as quickly as possible so that we could fulfil our promise to him.”

The community spirit of Spinney and all those who spread Mark’s plea for help highlights the ongoing need for everyone in the UK to be looking out for others at this difficult time.

Mark now plans to spend his next few weeks away from loved ones, but it is these selfless acts – like donating a caravan, healthcare workers on the front line of treating those suffering from coronavirus or simply people staying at home to slow down the spread – that highlight not only the country’s great resolve, but also our capacity for kindness.