Countess of Wessex gives New Forest food charity a royal hand

VOLUNTEERS at FareShare Southern Central’s food distribution centre in Totton were joined by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, to help send supplies to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative was organised by Southampton FC’s Saints Foundation, whose staff pitched in with Her Royal Highness.

She also joined in the foundation’s other work delivering prescriptions to those unable to go out.

Claire Martin, development manager at FareShare Southern Central, said: “Since the lockdown was announced in March we at FareShare have doubled the amount of food provided to frontline charities and community groups across Hampshire and Dorset.

“The need for our service has never been greater, and we have welcomed the valuable support of Saints Foundation during this critical time.

“It was a great pleasure to welcome a visit from Her Royal Highness. The countess was keen to learn about our work as she helped volunteers to make food deliveries for the next day.”

Greg Baker, head of Saints Foundation, said: “It was a true honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to support two of the programmes that we are delivering to support individuals across the local community during the current pandemic.

“The countess was incredibly gracious, and we hope she learned a lot about our work from her visit.”