Coronavirus in Moray and Aberdeenshire: Many thanks Paul
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Hundreds have voiced their appreciation for a volunteer who's gone above beyond to help people all round Elgin.
Over the past few weeks, Paul Briggs has been doing shopping runs for no fewer than 19 homes where the occupants are either housebound or self-isolating.
In addition to that, he's also collected medicines for 22 different households.
One freezing morning he stood outside the chemists at Glassgreen for 90 minutes to pick up prescriptions for five people who were either housebound or self-isolating.
He's also picked up prescriptions from just about every other chemist in town.
In short, Paul has provided a lifeline for many.
Looking back on life in Elgin since the emergence of the corona crisis, he said: "Like virtually everyone else I never expected any of this in my wildest dreams.
"A lot of people were really frightened during the first weeks – and that's totally understandable.
"I think the situation is beginning to calm down now, thankfully.
"The official agencies are get things squared.
"In fact, the Grampian coronavirus assistance hub has been excellent.
"I've passed on the details to them of the people I've been helping, and other volunteers are now in place."
When the lockdown came into force the 44-year-old suddenly didn't know where his next pay cheque would come from.
Cooped up indoors he soon ran out of jobs to do around the house.
Both anxious and bored, he decided he needed something to take his mind off his own problems.
And so Paul began helping other people whose problems were even greater.
He worked closely with the Elgin Covid 19 support and resilience Facebook group, which has also been doing great things over the past month to keep the community connected.
However, the 44-year-old had to leave Elgin on Sunday, having been offered essential work in Shetland.
Paul, who's a freelance steel erector, will be staying on site while he fits new hangar doors for the Air-Sea Rescue Service.
He said: "It's been both an honour and a privilege to help.
"But I'm far from being the only one. So many people have been doing their bit."
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