Elaine Maries, from Milton Keynes, was relying on food donations after being refused entry into local supermarkets for not being able to socially distance.
The i Newspaper had shared the 52-year-old's story, telling of how supermarkets denied her entry for not being able to follow the two-metre social distancing rule effectively.
And, when Elaine, who has a guide dog, has been allowed entry, she has had items stolen from her basket by other shoppers. On one occasion, a fellow shopper kicked her guide dog, saying that she was a coronavirus risk and should not be allowed out.
Since the article was published on Friday (24/4), the local community has shown Elaine a great deal of support. People have offered to assist by getting her shopping, but now supermarkets have recognised that Elaine is classed as vulnerable. As a result, she has been given regular delivery slots from both Morrison's and Iceland.
One person said on social media: "I am so pleased that you have your delivery slots but for you to have to had go through all the hassle you have is so wrong."
When speaking about her lockdown experience, Elaine told the i: “Earlier this month I attempted to get some food shopping from a store in town. I had a list of items I needed but the security guard said they didn’t have the staff to help me,
"They also said I wasn’t allowed in with Inca [her guide dog] because I can’t socially distance. I explained that I live alone and have no one nearby to help, but they still refused me entry.
“I then walked up to another well-known food retailer nearby but again a security guard said, 'Sorry, you can’t come in because you can't social distance'. Again I asked if someone could get my shopping for me, but my request was refused.”
Eventually, Elaine went to a Lidl store and received help from staff who were "wonderfully helpful". However, the i reports that customers weren't as considerate.
“The security guard let me in and found a member of staff to help," Elaine continued. "She walked round the store with me and explained what products were available, she even got me through the till and helped me pack.
“But then, while I was waiting at the till, someone mentioned that I had eggs in my basket and asked if she could have them. I apologised and said I needed them so she then bent down and tried to steal them from my basket. Being blind, I didn’t notice but someone else heard the conversation and spotted what she was trying to do and quickly reprimanded her.
"It was all very traumatic but the staff were amazing. I can't thank them enough for helping me. The security guard even found when my next bus was, took me to the stop and waited until my bus came, just in case the woman tried to follow me and take anything else."
If either yourself, or someone you know, needs extra assistance, NHS Responder volunteers can provide extra support. All volunteers are CBS checked and can help with getting shopping, collecting prescriptions etc. You can call 0808 196 3646 between the hours of 8am and 8pm.
