Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) have helped celebrate the excellent work of staff at Rutland Memorial Hospital by serving 150 meals.

Setting up tents in front of the hospital on the western side of Oakham Town Centre, local RRT volunteers from across the county cooked and served meals alongside drinks and refreshments in a show of appreciation for the hard work of the hospital's workers.

Rutland Memorial Hospital is among those key pillars in the community, with the hospital's team helping to serve a population of over 41,000 across Rutland, as well as the neighbouring counties, through the delivery of high-quality sub-acute care, complex rehabilitation, and compassionate end of life support.

Aware of the incredible impact they make to the lives of others, local volunteers from the RRT charity were delighted to extend their support to the hospital and its staff as part of its ongoing outreach initiative in Rutland which is aimed at recognising our often 'unsung' healthcare heroes. 

The occasion proved to be a huge success, with the provision of food by the charity warmly received by the hundreds in attendance, which included hospital staff and those from the Raising Health Charity, Leicestershire and Rutland's Community and Mental Health Charity.

The RRT, which is made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, puts compassion into action by offering practical support to charities, emergency services and other organisations on the frontline.

Speaking on the support of the RRT, Charlotte Harris, Workforce Health & Wellbeing Lead at Leicestershire Partnerships NHS Trust, said: "Thank you to the Rapid Relief Team for providing our NHS staff at Rutland Memorial Hospital, part of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, with well over 100 free breakfast meals and hot drinks this morning!

"It really was a wonderful way to recognise the staff for the amazing patient care they deliver each and every day. Here's a huge thank you to all the teams and volunteers who supported the event today – we truly appreciate you!"

Reuben Martin, Local Networking Team Leader for the Rapid Relief Team UK, said: "We were delighted to acknowledge and celebrate the excellent healthcare workers at Rutland Memorial Hospital who work so hard day in day out to help support members of our community. In honour of the role they play, it was fantastic to be able to serve meals and refreshments to say thank you for their dedication and show our gratitude for their work. 

"From our experience providing support to key workers across Rutland and the surrounding areas, we know how important a hot meal can be to lift spirits and show appreciation - particularly in the morning! The RRT is defined by its purpose of putting compassion into action, and our volunteers were happy to come together to provide our support to the team at Rutland Memorial Hospital."