Falkirk man (83) thanks public for 'overwhelming' reaction to coronavirus plea

A pensioner was left “astounded” by the response he received following a desperate plea for help amid the coronavirus outbreak.
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Falkirk resident Joe Quinlivan (83) had contacted The Falkirk Herald to appeal for help after encountering difficulties finding products such as hand sanitizer and face masks.

He also told how he and his wife feared becoming “cut off” from society due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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However, within hours of our article being posted online, The Falkirk Herald was inundated with messages offering support to the couple.

Joe Quinlivan has received several messages of coronavirus support and advice. Picture: Michael Gillen.Joe Quinlivan has received several messages of coronavirus support and advice. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Joe Quinlivan has received several messages of coronavirus support and advice. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Touched by the community’s reaction, Joe said: “I am absolutely astounded by the offers of help.

“We are managing for now as I went out yesterday and got a few bits and pieces but still can't get hand wash, soap and other bits and pieces but we'll manage okay.

“However, it is so good to know there are so many decent and helpful people out there.

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“The response gave me such a lift as every news bulletin on TV seems so depressing. I wanted to highlight the problems facing the elderly.

“We want to sincerely thank everybody for the offers of help.”

The Falkirk Herald would like to thank all who shared yesterday’s article.

We would also like to invite readers to use the hashtag #takecare when sharing any of our articles related to coronavirus.

We have set up a public Facebook group in which we will post the latest updates concerning COVID-19 in our area.