Eastbourne mum’s joy as team of strangers travel miles to deliver baby milk

Due to shortages sparked by coronavirus panic buying, one mother grew desperate when she realised she had almost run out of the specialised anti-reflux milk she needs for her three-month-old girl.

The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “It was an absolute nightmare to get hold of. It’s hard to get anyway, we couldn’t find it anywhere.

“I don’t care if I go without as long as my little girl has got her milk.”

The 25-year-old is upset some people are buying things they may not need. She said, “I find it selfish.
“I have seen people selling milk online for double the price, when they don’t even need it.”

So she put out a plea on social media, and on Wednesday (march 18) she was contacted by a company called AP Security, based in Arundel, West Sussex.

“They drove across the county to get it and bring it straight to me,” said the mother, “I was so relieved.

“I’m so grateful for them, it’s nice to know there are people out there who do care.”

The mum, who is currently self-isolating, said she feels so much happier now she doesn’t have to worry about her baby.

Diane Mulkeirins, a director at AP Security, was behind the coordinated drop-off.

She said, “We saw somebody needed baby milk so I put out a message to my own operations team because some of them have young babies. One of the mums came up trumps.”

One of the drivers travelled to Lancing to pick the milk up and transferred it to another in Brighton.

Then another team drove to pick it up from Brighton and deliver it to the family in Eastbourne.

“I could see she was choked up,” Diane said, “They offered us money but we refused it. They gave us a thank you card.”

The company has given up one of its cars and is voluntarily transferring much-needed supplies across Sussex, including paracetamol, disinfectant, and even calpol.

The teams are kitted out with sanitised shoe coverings, masks, and gloves to deliver items to those in need – whether they are self-isolating or in a vulnerable group.

“We thought we would give back to the community,” said Diane, “We needed to do something.

“I’m really proud of my team. They have got big hearts. They are the real deal.

“We have got mental health champions and we recognise this is impacting people, not just physical health but mental health. If anyone needs help we are there.”

Amid the coronavirus crisis, the company has written to the Government to be recognised in the key workers’ status for its security work.

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