A Thames Water engineer is using his own time and money to buy and deliver food parcels for those struggling to get by during the pandemic.

Northfleet-based leakage technician Dean Vine and his wife Natasha have spent £1,700 on more than 50 bags of shopping for NHS staff, the elderly and the vulnerable.

The 33-year-old, dad-of-five began the charitable work after he saw an elderly woman in tears because a shop had sold out of painkillers due to people panic-buying.

Dean said: “I managed to get some aspirin for her at a pharmacy. She was so grateful, it was like an epiphany moment.

"She said there were so many other people in her complex, with no family, in the same position as her, struggling to get what they needed.”

After putting a shout-out on Facebook for people in need to contact him, Dean began shopping and preparing food parcels for dozens of people.

A typical package includes tins of beans, tomatoes, mixed veg, eggs, bread, long-life milk, a bottle of juice, snacks and toiletries.

Dean said: “I’d love to get more and more people on the list, so we’ve set up a Go Fund Me page so we can continue what we’ve started.

"I feel like we’re doing our bit to help, and if we can inspire others to do the same in their own towns and villages, then even better.”

Thames Water is now match-funding the amount raised with supermarket vouchers so Dean can continue supporting his community.

To further support customers during the pandemic, Thames Water has also doubled its Trust Fund donation to £1 million.

The fund provides debt advice and grants for essential household goods, including washing machines, fridges and beds.

Thames Water is also providing flexible payment options and committing £4m this year to its Customer Assistance Fund, which provides one-off grants to help customers pay off arrears on their water bills.

Steve Spencer, Thames Water's operations director, said: “I see examples of our people going the extra mile for our customers every day, but what Dean and his family are doing to support those struggling to get by during the lockdown is truly exceptional.

“I am extremely proud to be part of our operational business, in which our dedicated front-line teams are out in the community, performing the essential role of keeping taps running and toilets flushing.”

To visit Dean’s Go Fund Me page, click here.

For more details about Thames Water’s Trust Fund and package of financial help during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

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