A 22-YEAR-OLD says she has been overwhelmed by the support of the community after she delivered free hampers to her third community hospital.

Jasmine Ritchie, who lives on Dalston Road in Workington, posted a plea on Facebook on April 20 asking for support with an idea she had had.

Inspired by her mum, who is a nurse in the Isel Ward at Cockermouth Community Hospital, she asked for donations to fill goody bags that she would deliver to staff to try and raise their spirits during a difficult time.

“On the ward at Cockermouth they cried – I wasn’t expecting that and I cried too. They were saying, ‘Thank you very much’, all the girls loved it. They were asking me, ‘Are these actually for us?’”

Inspired by the reaction, Jasmine then went on to deliver similar hampers – filled with things like hand sanitiser, skin care products and chocolates – to Victoria Cottage Hospital in Maryport and Keswick Community Hospital.

Next on the list is Workington Community Hospital, with the final delivery being taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

“I have always said that it is absolutely amazing in a time where it is so hard, with people losing jobs, businesses going bust, that people are still happy and willing to donate anything and everything.”

The latest delivery – which took place at Keswick hospital on Saturday – saw help from Keswick Rugby Club, who set up a collection point.

Youth player Isla Turnbull took on the role of checking the boxes and collecting the gifts.

Fellow youth player Stan Turnbull also helped to manage the flurry of donations from nearby residents.

The pair handed over 35 bags on Saturday, which were then taken to the hospital by Jasmine. So far Jasmine has delivered 98 bags to NHS staff across Cumbria.

“Every time I go to a hospital, the bags take up my front room.

“I’ve had so many people messaging me asking if they can drop off donations or if I can pick them up.”

Jasmine says the hours she has been putting in has been worth it.

“I’m a key worker, so I’m still working full-time.

“When I see the faces and how pleased they are when I deliver, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”