A BIG-HEARTED Winsford mum has offered to shop for the elderly who may become trapped at home during the Coronavirus crisis.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has said that the over 70s may be asked to self isolate in the coming days to try and protect them from the disease.

Mum-of-two Sherrie Duffy said: "I'd just like to offer a helping hand to the elderly. It really upsets me to think that they might be struggling on their own.

"Giving a helping hand shows community, kindness and compassion."

Sherrie, who has two daughters aged three and nine, sadly lost her mum in June to cancer and is concerned about vulnerable residents who may not have relatives nearby.

"The elderly may not see anyone," she said. "I am happy to do any shopping for them. With all this panic buying there is no need for it. It might have taken an older person so much strength to get out of bed only to find nothing on the shelves."

Sherrie works part-time as a support worker for adults who have autism in supported living, and is willing to give up her free time to run errands and befriend older people.

She has delivered leaflets to homes across Winsford offering to help any elderly residents and has vowed to provide her address and phone number to reassure people that she is genuine.

"If there is anything they need, no matter how big or small, I just want to reach out," she said. "I want to show humanity, put a smile on someone's face and make a difference."

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Sherrie invited people to contact her on social media and has been overwhelmed by the response.

"Thank you for all that have showed interest," she said. "If we can't or won't love thy neighbour then we need to look at ourselves as a disgrace. Everyone depends on everyone's loyalty."

Jacqueline Duncalf said: "What a lovely soul you have."

Norma Sproston said: "What a kind lady."

Jackie Gill-Parsons said: "This situation has brought out the very best in people like yourself Sherrie but also the very worst in those that are grabbing what they can from supermarket shelves with no thought of anybody but themselves.

"Time the big supermarkets got their acts together and stopped people having more than their immediate needs. There is plenty to go round."