This Doncaster cook is sleeping on the basement of a care home so she can feed its residents

Kat Harrison, aged 32, was asked by the Anchor House care home’s manager if she would become a full time locked in cook for the duration of the Covid-19 to ensure that their elderly residents are kept as safe as possible.

“Their regular cook was in the high-risk category and couldn’t stay so they needed to find someone fast.

“I usually work at The Grove Inn but my best friend’s mum is the manager and she knew that I cook.

“When they asked me to come I could hardly say no - the people here needed feeding,” said Kat of Scawsby.

Kat is alongside 10 other staff members who are working and sleeping in the Wheatley care home with 21 residents.

They have been in full lockdown since March 24 - they have not left the building or allowed anyone else inside.

They collect food deliveries off the front step and many staff members have left partners and children at home.

“I’m currently sleeping in the basement which isn’t very comfortable,” she continued.

“I’ve had back pains and we think it’s haunted because things keep moving but spirits are high and we’re all mucking in.”

Kat and the other staff members have been working 13 hour shifts without days off to ensure all the residents are cared for.

She said: “We are determined to be here for the duration of this.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s weeks or months we will all knuckle down.

“We’ve been here for 10 days but it doesn’t feel like it at all.”

Kat says that the residents are grateful for their sacrifices that the staff is making to care for them and are trying their best to help out in ways they can.

She has been documenting the experience in a blog and hopes that she can write a book about it once coronavirus is over.

The care home is in need of dry food donations - if you’re able to give anything you can call them on 01302 327004.

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