Special food hampers containing Isle of Wight produce have been gifted to all Mountbatten staff, as a thank you for their efforts and commitment during the coronavirus pandemic.

The hampers, made by Briddlesford Lodge Farm, have been stocked with a range of items, including from The Garlic Farm, The Island Mustard Company and the Isle of Wight Biscuit Company.

Mountbatten has been supported by Island producers who have given their time and many of the products in kind. Some small financial donations from patients and family members given specifically for Mountbatten to treat the staff have also been very welcome.

“We have some regular givers who like their financial donations to be used as a way of thanking staff for their work and support, so this year we decided this was an appropriate way to spend some of the money,” said Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley.

“We would normally have a party for staff and volunteers during the summer and at Christmas time but clearly we cannot do that this year.

“Everyone at Mountbatten continues to work so hard during what is a very difficult time and it is important to us we recognise that in any way we can.

"Our staff tell us Mountbatten is a fantastic place to work, as we value their commitment to always work above and beyond what is expected. It is always difficult to reward staff appropriately for what they do and these hampers are a really lovely way to acknowledge their ongoing contribution to Mountbatten and our Island community.

"We are hugely grateful to our friends at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, The Garlic Farm, the Island Mustard Company, Greef's Biltong, Wight Label and the Isle of Wight Biscuit Company for their support.

"We hope these small gifts go a long way to ensuring all of our staff feel valued and appreciated and we hope the whole Island community join us in thanking them for their ongoing work.”