news--2020-06-18--Tom Meighan interview: I bought Serge's record. He's still got to sign it for me

Tom Meighan is in his mum and dad 's garden , pointing out his DIY lockdown hair cut to his phone camera on a video call .
`` Do you like my hair ?
It 's very short , is n't it ?
I tried to cut my hair off with scissors but it went wrong… so my missus shaved it off , bless her .
I hope it looks all right . ''
Although he 's missing his Kasabian bandmates `` like mad '' , the band 's lead singer , a man known for his boundless energy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life at home surprisingly enjoyable .
`` My lockdown 's been pretty amazing , actually .
I 've been planting seeds and stuff in the garden .
It 's kind of like going back to old times , is n't it ?
And ET was a botanist , and you know how much I love ET . ''
Meighan really loves ET .
After finding out it was up for sale , he has been the proud owner of the actual bike used to fly in the 1980s classic film for several years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ET and he 'll talk for hours .
But we 're here to talk about Kasabian instead .
This Saturday , Meighan and his bandmates should have been returning to Leicester 's Victoria Park to play a huge gig in their home city - with the bonus of being able to sleep in their own beds afterwards .
While coronavirus has put paid to their plans , Meighan has found another way to hold court ; instead , he will be taking part in an online Q & A session with fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
Well , pretty much anything .
`` I think it 's nice to be speaking to people online , because I 'm not doing the gig .
For me it 's a boost , a bit of morale .
I think it 's going to be hilarious .
I ca n't tell too much can I , got ta keep my mouth shut on some things .
You know , no naughty tales from the bootcamp .
But I 'm buzzing for it , it 'll be great .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well . ''
Kasabian were `` absolutely brokenhearted '' when they had to call the gig off , he says , but he thinks it was meant to be .
`` I believe things happen for a reason .
So I 'd imagine we 'll be back next year to play Vicky Park when the restrictions are all gone .
But I ca n't imagine any rock ' n'roll music being played till at least next summer .
`` It 's a bit of a kicking but we 'll be back , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have cancelled weddings , lots of things .
It 's just one of those things and unfortunately , coronavirus , what 's happened to the world is very serious .
`` I ca n't wait to go back out there and play rock ' n'roll music again .
But you 've got to be so careful .
And it 's not media hype or anything , this disease is real . ''
Apart from tales of his lockdown , what other questions does he think fans will ask ?
It 's often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Or they might ask me what my favourite pants are , or my favourite crisps .
And I like that . ''
Like ET , favourite crisps - favourite snacks in general - is a subject Meighan can get on board with .
For five minutes , he wants to discuss .
`` I 'm going to be naughty here : Seabrook 's , '' he says , picking his crisp of choice ; the `` naughty '' referring to the fact that , as a Leicester man , he should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
`` They were around in the '80s and I used to have them in the British Legion when I was a kid .
They 're filthy crisps , if that makes any sense .
`` And do you know what I 've really taken a fancy for at the moment ?
I 've got back into Wotsits .
I kinda left them behind for a bit and now I 've recaptured it .
But the beefy ones , I think the steak flavour , they 're unbelievable .
My daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curveball : `` Here 's one for you - do you like crabsticks ? ''
Umm ... `` Fake fish , that 's why I like them .
And what about Peperami ?
And what are you saying about chocolate ?
Do n't say Galaxy ... '' To put it on record , Meighan used to like Creme Eggs , before they changed the recipe .
`` Now , I like just a whole bar of Dairy Milk .
A big one .
And Starbars . ''
But back to Kasabian .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the UK this side of 2000 , sitting up there alongside the likes of Coldplay , Muse , Arctic Monkeys and few others , the band was formed by Meighan , songwriter Serge Pizzorno , Chris Edwards and Chris Karloff ( who left the band during the recording of second album Empire ) while they were still at school in the 1990s .
They rose to fame with the release of their self-titled debut album in 2004 and are now six albums in ( five of them number ones ) after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need a seventh baby , '' Meighan says .
`` We 're going to try and make a new record as soon as we can but we ca n't really do anything while we 're restricted .
Serge has been writing songs for Kasabian so it 's all good . ''
During the band 's first proper extended break last year , Pizzorno released his first solo album as The SLP - his initials ; his full name is Sergio Lorenzo Pizzorno - which Meighan , his best mate as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing '' .
`` I 'm always proud of him .
I love him dearly and I miss him , I miss the boys , I miss the camaraderie and all of it .
But yeah , I 'm proud of him .
He 's so clever , Serge .
So clever .
`` And I bought his record .
He 's still got to sign it for me . ''
Meighan says he has also been writing his own solo songs .
`` I 'm writing loads of music at the minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've got a few cookies in the jar ... they aint bad , you know .
It 's very autobiographical , like the story of my life .
It 's kind of… heartbreaking .
Well , not heartbreaking , just to the core , you know .
Very real .
`` And you know , when Sergio did his thing last year , everyone was like , 'how do you feel about it ? '
I love it .
Why would n't I ?
And his music was incredible… '' He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine but Kasabian are still solid .
You know , it 's just a bad time at the moment , for rock ' n ' roll .
For human beings in general . ''
Meighan says he has been writing his own material for years .
`` I 'm logging my life , like a diary .
And I was like , these songs aint bad , really .
I think they 're all right .
We 'll see what happens . ''
In the meantime , Kasabian are doing their bit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and donated his guitar to the Leicester Hospitals Charity , while Meighan recorded his own video of acoustic covers as a thank you to the NHS .
`` My mum 's a nurse , '' he says .
`` I thought it would be a nice thing to do… for workers , the people who put their lives at risk .
I 'm so grateful to [ those ] people . ''
And not just healthcare workers , he says .
`` It 's taxi drivers , people working in shops .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
`` But it 's good how people are bonding and helping each other .
I think this has given humanity a lesson , in my opinion .
I 'm not trying to be Mother Earth , peace man , but I think it 's a lesson learned .
`` You take things for granted and it 's taken from you '' - he snaps his fingers - `` like that . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meighan continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , now , is n't it ?
There 's no patience .
And it just seems everyone 's addicted to their phones .
It 's the new addiction , is n't it ?
Mobiles .
Social media .
Can you cure it ?
Can you treat it ?
`` I do n't know because we 're so consumed with our own sh*t. So bothered about what he 's doing or what she 's doing or what 's going on .
I 'm not trying to be a preacher or anything but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The singer has his own public Facebook page , but does n't run it .
`` I 'm not allowed ! ''
he laughs .
`` I think it 's important someone else does it for me .
'Cus if I ran it ... well , I 'm more intelligent than you 'd think , actually , to be honest .
But I think it 's probably a bad idea . ''
So no personal Facebook posts , but he will answer your questions , live on Saturday .
`` Within reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as honest as I can get .
`` Our supporters , our fans , you know , our army , our religion - which I do call it that .
I think it 's great , I think they 're going to enjoy it .
I 'm going to enjoy it . ''
An Evening With Tom Meighan , hosted by Clint Boon , starts at 8pm on Saturday here

Tom Meighan is in his mum and dad's garden, pointing out his DIY lockdown hair cut to his phone camera on a video call.
"Do you like my hair? It's very short, isn't it? I tried to cut my hair off with scissors but it went wrong… so my missus shaved it off, bless her. I hope it looks all right."
Although he's missing his Kasabian bandmates "like mad", the band's lead singer, a man known for his boundless energy and mile-a-minute chatter, is finding the quiet life at home surprisingly enjoyable.
Image: Meighan with his bandmate Serge Pizzorno performing at the Leicester City Premier League winners bus parade in 2016
"My lockdown's been pretty amazing, actually. I've been planting seeds and stuff in the garden. It's kind of like going back to old times, isn't it? And ET was a botanist, and you know how much I love ET."
Meighan really loves ET. After finding out it was up for sale, he has been the proud owner of the actual bike used to fly in the 1980s classic film for several years. Get him on to the subject of ET and he'll talk for hours.
But we're here to talk about Kasabian instead.
This Saturday, Meighan and his bandmates should have been returning to Leicester's Victoria Park to play a huge gig in their home city - with the bonus of being able to sleep in their own beds afterwards.
While coronavirus has put paid to their plans, Meighan has found another way to hold court; instead, he will be taking part in an online Q&A session with fans.
You can ask him anything, he says. Well, pretty much anything.
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"I think it's nice to be speaking to people online, because I'm not doing the gig. For me it's a boost, a bit of morale. I think it's going to be hilarious. I can't tell too much can I, gotta keep my mouth shut on some things. You know, no naughty tales from the bootcamp. But I'm buzzing for it, it'll be great. And what a day to do it as well."
Kasabian were "absolutely brokenhearted" when they had to call the gig off, he says, but he thinks it was meant to be.
Image: Kasabian formed at school in the 1990s. Pic: Phil Knott
"I believe things happen for a reason. So I'd imagine we'll be back next year to play Vicky Park when the restrictions are all gone. But I can't imagine any rock'n'roll music being played till at least next summer.
"It's a bit of a kicking but we'll be back, it'll be stronger. There's people who have cancelled weddings, lots of things. It's just one of those things and unfortunately, coronavirus, what's happened to the world is very serious.
"I can't wait to go back out there and play rock'n'roll music again. But you've got to be so careful. And it's not media hype or anything, this disease is real."
Apart from tales of his lockdown, what other questions does he think fans will ask? It's often stories from backstage, he says. "Or they might ask me what my favourite pants are, or my favourite crisps. And I like that."
Like ET, favourite crisps - favourite snacks in general - is a subject Meighan can get on board with. For five minutes, he wants to discuss.
"I'm going to be naughty here: Seabrook's," he says, picking his crisp of choice; the "naughty" referring to the fact that, as a Leicester man, he should be picking Walkers, which are made in the city.
"They were around in the '80s and I used to have them in the British Legion when I was a kid. They're filthy crisps, if that makes any sense.
"And do you know what I've really taken a fancy for at the moment? I've got back into Wotsits. I kinda left them behind for a bit and now I've recaptured it. But the beefy ones, I think the steak flavour, they're unbelievable. My daughter loves them."
Image: Dressing for the occasion: Headlining Glastonbury Festival in 2014
Then, a curveball: "Here's one for you - do you like crabsticks?" Umm... "Fake fish, that's why I like them. And what about Peperami? And what are you saying about chocolate? Don't say Galaxy..."
To put it on record, Meighan used to like Creme Eggs, before they changed the recipe. "Now, I like just a whole bar of Dairy Milk. A big one. And Starbars."
But back to Kasabian. One of the biggest bands to have come out of the UK this side of 2000, sitting up there alongside the likes of Coldplay, Muse, Arctic Monkeys and few others, the band was formed by Meighan, songwriter Serge Pizzorno, Chris Edwards and Chris Karloff (who left the band during the recording of second album Empire) while they were still at school in the 1990s.
They rose to fame with the release of their self-titled debut album in 2004 and are now six albums in (five of them number ones) after more than 20 years together.
"We need a seventh baby," Meighan says. "We're going to try and make a new record as soon as we can but we can't really do anything while we're restricted. Serge has been writing songs for Kasabian so it's all good."
During the band's first proper extended break last year, Pizzorno released his first solo album as The SLP - his initials; his full name is Sergio Lorenzo Pizzorno - which Meighan, his best mate as well as his bandmate, describes as "f***ing amazing".
"I'm always proud of him. I love him dearly and I miss him, I miss the boys, I miss the camaraderie and all of it. But yeah, I'm proud of him. He's so clever, Serge. So clever.
"And I bought his record. He's still got to sign it for me."
Meighan says he has also been writing his own solo songs.
"I'm writing loads of music at the minute. We'll see what happens. I've got a few cookies in the jar... they aint bad, you know. It's very autobiographical, like the story of my life. It's kind of… heartbreaking. Well, not heartbreaking, just to the core, you know. Very real.
"And you know, when Sergio did his thing last year, everyone was like, 'how do you feel about it?' I love it. Why wouldn't I? And his music was incredible…
"He's doing his thing, I'm doing mine but Kasabian are still solid. You know, it's just a bad time at the moment, for rock 'n' roll. For human beings in general."
Meighan says he has been writing his own material for years.
"I'm logging my life, like a diary. And I was like, these songs aint bad, really. I think they're all right. We'll see what happens."
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In the meantime, Kasabian are doing their bit in lockdown. Pizzorno recorded a special performance and donated his guitar to the Leicester Hospitals Charity, while Meighan recorded his own video of acoustic covers as a thank you to the NHS.
"My mum's a nurse," he says. "I thought it would be a nice thing to do… for workers, the people who put their lives at risk. I'm so grateful to [those] people."
And not just healthcare workers, he says. "It's taxi drivers, people working in shops. People doing everyday things who can be forgotten about.
"But it's good how people are bonding and helping each other. I think this has given humanity a lesson, in my opinion. I'm not trying to be Mother Earth, peace man, but I think it's a lesson learned.
"You take things for granted and it's taken from you" - he snaps his fingers - "like that."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meighan continues: "It's all now, now, now, isn't it? There's no patience. And it just seems everyone's addicted to their phones. It's the new addiction, isn't it? Mobiles. Social media. Can you cure it? Can you treat it?
"I don't know because we're so consumed with our own sh*t. So bothered about what he's doing or what she's doing or what's going on. I'm not trying to be a preacher or anything but we've forgotten about what's real."
The singer has his own public Facebook page, but doesn't run it.
"I'm not allowed!" he laughs. "I think it's important someone else does it for me. 'Cus if I ran it... well, I'm more intelligent than you'd think, actually, to be honest. But I think it's probably a bad idea."
So no personal Facebook posts, but he will answer your questions, live on Saturday.
"Within reason, you know. I'll be as honest as I can get.
"Our supporters, our fans, you know, our army, our religion - which I do call it that. I think it's great, I think they're going to enjoy it. I'm going to enjoy it."
An Evening With Tom Meighan, hosted by Clint Boon, starts at 8pm on Saturday here


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: London Marathon runners undertake 2.6 Challenge to help charities

Britons who had been gearing up to take part in the London Marathon today have been asked to come up with a challenge – and a new way to help charities .
The London Marathon , which draws more than 40,000 people every year and raises millions of pounds in charity , has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown measures imposed by the government .
It will now be held on 4 October .
The 2.6 Challenge serves as a replacement for the 26-mile race through the capital 's streets .
People can come up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 26 - also the same date as today - in aid of their chosen charity , and use the hashtag # twopointsixchallenge to share their efforts .
Sophie Allen , a charity worker from Romford , plans to swim 2.6km in her back garden to raise money for London Air Ambulance service , while award-winning mixologist Paul Martin will produce 26 cocktails in 26 minutes .
An athlete in County Down has undertaken the challenge by running solo laps of his living room while his family and friends cheered him on through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran laps of his front room around 11,500 times and received £1,000 in sponsorship from his friends and family .
It was his first `` marathon '' , and his fiancee kept him supplied with chocolate raisins , iced lollies and other sugary snacks .
After completing the challenge , he said : `` It went really well .
I originally intended to split it over the weekend but it went really well so I thought I would go on .
`` It is definitely completely different from doing a normal run .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Lynn Hedgecoe , 68 , is walking round a six-acre field in Cheshire 26 times in 26 different outfits , including doctors ' scrubs , a scuba suit and an Elvis costume .
Ms Hedgecoe , who was diagnosed with the heart condition cardiomyopathy 13 years ago , has raised more than £1,000 for the Vital Signs Foundation , a heart-screening charity .
Over in Leicester , a keen runner was spotted running along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onesie .
Meanwhile a street in Bolton is running a relay race where neighbours run to a nearby house , knock at the door and then the next person follows suit .
Residents in Vestry Mews , south London , are following suit with more than 13 households running 50 laps around the mews .
Combined , the 639 laps make up the same distance of the London marathon .
A total of £1,500 has been raised by the residents for a nearby food bank at St Giles Parish Hall .
Other creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing , trampolining and running around their gardens .
George Cook spelled the 26 letters of the alphabet using sign language with an aim to raise money for deaf blind charity , Sense .
He raised £260 .
Nicola Soar completed 26 backflips on a trampoline in aid of Parkinson 's UK , while the son of a teacher at Rudston Primary School , in Liverpool , bounced on a trampoline 26 times .
Stars are also getting involved in the action .
A team of 26 Olympians , including Greg Rutherford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each doing a one-minute workout that will be edited together to form one 26-minute video so that people can exercise alongside them .
Former Welsh rugby star Jonathan Davies is cycling 26 miles on an exercise bike every day for 10 days .
He has raised more than £17,000 for Velindre NHS Trust in Cardiff .
Davies then called on fellow Welshman and footballer Gareth Bale to take part in the challenge .
Bale responded with doing 26 keepie uppies inside his home with a small globe ball .
He also linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actor Jason Watkins is holding a hand stand for 26 seconds in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust .
The fundraising effort is in memory of his daughter Maude , who died aged two from sepsis in 2011 .
Adventurer Anna McNuff then climbed in and out of a sleeping bag 26 times in aid of Girl Guiding UK , of which she is an ambassador .

Britons who had been gearing up to take part in the London Marathon today have been asked to come up with a challenge – and a new way to help charities.
The London Marathon, which draws more than 40,000 people every year and raises millions of pounds in charity, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown measures imposed by the government.
It will now be held on 4 October.
The 2.6 Challenge serves as a replacement for the 26-mile race through the capital's streets.
People can come up with an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 - also the same date as today - in aid of their chosen charity, and use the hashtag #twopointsixchallenge to share their efforts.
Sophie Allen, a charity worker from Romford, plans to swim 2.6km in her back garden to raise money for London Air Ambulance service, while award-winning mixologist Paul Martin will produce 26 cocktails in 26 minutes.
An athlete in County Down has undertaken the challenge by running solo laps of his living room while his family and friends cheered him on through FaceTime.
Col Bignell, 26, ran laps of his front room around 11,500 times and received £1,000 in sponsorship from his friends and family.
Image: Col Bignell after completing his attempt to run the equivalent of the marathon around his living room
It was his first "marathon", and his fiancee kept him supplied with chocolate raisins, iced lollies and other sugary snacks.
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After completing the challenge, he said: "It went really well. I originally intended to split it over the weekend but it went really well so I thought I would go on.
"It is definitely completely different from doing a normal run. The blisters on my feet are crazy."
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Lynn Hedgecoe, 68, is walking round a six-acre field in Cheshire 26 times in 26 different outfits, including doctors' scrubs, a scuba suit and an Elvis costume.
Ms Hedgecoe, who was diagnosed with the heart condition cardiomyopathy 13 years ago, has raised more than £1,000 for the Vital Signs Foundation, a heart-screening charity.
Image: Lynn Hedgecoe is walking six acres 26 times in different outfits
Over in Leicester, a keen runner was spotted running along the Grand Union Canal in a cow onesie.
Meanwhile a street in Bolton is running a relay race where neighbours run to a nearby house, knock at the door and then the next person follows suit.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Residents in Vestry Mews, south London, are following suit with more than 13 households running 50 laps around the mews. Combined, the 639 laps make up the same distance of the London marathon.
A total of £1,500 has been raised by the residents for a nearby food bank at St Giles Parish Hall.
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Other creative ways people are taking part including people signing, trampolining and running around their gardens.
George Cook spelled the 26 letters of the alphabet using sign language with an aim to raise money for deaf blind charity, Sense. He raised £260.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Sky correspondent's 26 keepy-uppies
Nicola Soar completed 26 backflips on a trampoline in aid of Parkinson's UK, while the son of a teacher at Rudston Primary School, in Liverpool, bounced on a trampoline 26 times.
Stars are also getting involved in the action.
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A team of 26 Olympians, including Greg Rutherford, Tom Daley and Becky Adlington, are each doing a one-minute workout that will be edited together to form one 26-minute video so that people can exercise alongside them.
Former Welsh rugby star Jonathan Davies is cycling 26 miles on an exercise bike every day for 10 days. He has raised more than £17,000 for Velindre NHS Trust in Cardiff.
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Davies then called on fellow Welshman and footballer Gareth Bale to take part in the challenge.
Bale responded with doing 26 keepie uppies inside his home with a small globe ball. He also linked to a page for the Velindre Trust.
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Actor Jason Watkins is holding a hand stand for 26 seconds in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust. The fundraising effort is in memory of his daughter Maude, who died aged two from sepsis in 2011.
Adventurer Anna McNuff then climbed in and out of a sleeping bag 26 times in aid of Girl Guiding UK, of which she is an ambassador.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Cancer surgeon expands red and green card scheme to help vulnerable

A doctor has expanded a volunteering scheme to help vulnerable people who are self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic .
Dr Shilen Patel , a head and neck cancer surgeon at a London NHS hospital , has helped 300,000 households get access to support from volunteers while in lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak .
The scheme , called Red Green Cards , entails people sticking a red or green card in their window , which signals to their neighbours if they need help or not .
The green card means they are happy and safe , the red card means they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wary of opening their doors to strangers , Dr Patel has partnered with Samaritans and Age UK and printed the numbers of the charities on the cards so people can also ask for help through the organisations .
The COVID-19 Mutual Aid community scheme is also involved .
The cards are either posted through people 's letterboxes or can be printed from the Red Green Cards website .
A total of 300 volunteers are currently helping the scheme , which has so far expanded across London , Manchester , Brighton , Ipswich and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who first began rolling out the scheme a month ago when the UK went into lockdown , was inspired by his father 's neighbours , who displayed a rainbow in their window , as part of the Rainbow Trail , and included their phone number on the poster should any of their neighbours need help .
He then was contacted by a group of neighbours in Yorkshire who told him about the red and green card system and decided to implement it further .
Word has since spread after volunteers set up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News : `` The response has been amazing so far , I 'm so happy that it has grown to such a big scale .
But I know 300,000 homes is just a drop in the ocean .
We 've got a long way to go .
We need to avoid people feeling desperate and being forced to leave the safety of their homes to get the things they need . ''
During his working hours , Dr Patel has been redeployed to an intensive treatment unit at his hospital where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involves turning people onto their chests and stomachs for 16 hours a day to help them breathe better .
He said : `` To be honest , it 's quite exhausting because I 'll work long days turning patients and then try to coordinate the volunteers in my free time .
But the reason that I keep doing it is I meet amazing people who are doing wonderful things and it just gives me more energy . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more volunteers to expand the scheme further and is also fundraising to refund the costs of the companies who have printed the cards .
To donate towards Red Green Cards , register as a volunteer or download the cards , visit : www.redgreencards.com

A doctor has expanded a volunteering scheme to help vulnerable people who are self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Shilen Patel, a head and neck cancer surgeon at a London NHS hospital, has helped 300,000 households get access to support from volunteers while in lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The scheme, called Red Green Cards, entails people sticking a red or green card in their window, which signals to their neighbours if they need help or not.
Image: Two police community support officers are seen endorsing the Red Green Cards scheme
The green card means they are happy and safe, the red card means they require assistance.
For those who are wary of opening their doors to strangers, Dr Patel has partnered with Samaritans and Age UK and printed the numbers of the charities on the cards so people can also ask for help through the organisations. The COVID-19 Mutual Aid community scheme is also involved.
The cards are either posted through people's letterboxes or can be printed from the Red Green Cards website.
A total of 300 volunteers are currently helping the scheme, which has so far expanded across London, Manchester, Brighton, Ipswich and Hatfield in Hertfordshire.
Dr Patel, who first began rolling out the scheme a month ago when the UK went into lockdown, was inspired by his father's neighbours, who displayed a rainbow in their window, as part of the Rainbow Trail, and included their phone number on the poster should any of their neighbours need help.
He then was contacted by a group of neighbours in Yorkshire who told him about the red and green card system and decided to implement it further. Word has since spread after volunteers set up a website and social media channels.
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He told Sky News: "The response has been amazing so far, I'm so happy that it has grown to such a big scale. But I know 300,000 homes is just a drop in the ocean. We've got a long way to go. We need to avoid people feeling desperate and being forced to leave the safety of their homes to get the things they need."
Image: The cards posted through people's doors helps volunteers to identify what help is needed (Credit: Red Green Cards)
During his working hours, Dr Patel has been redeployed to an intensive treatment unit at his hospital where he gives patients proning treatments. This involves turning people onto their chests and stomachs for 16 hours a day to help them breathe better.
He said: "To be honest, it's quite exhausting because I'll work long days turning patients and then try to coordinate the volunteers in my free time. But the reason that I keep doing it is I meet amazing people who are doing wonderful things and it just gives me more energy."
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Dr Patel is appealing for more volunteers to expand the scheme further and is also fundraising to refund the costs of the companies who have printed the cards.
To donate towards Red Green Cards, register as a volunteer or download the cards, visit: www.redgreencards.com


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Dartmoor Zoo saved from imminent closure after 'phenomenal' flood of donations

A Devon zoo has been saved from imminent closure after a flood of donations helped it meet its monthly budget in a single night .
Dartmoor Zoo appealed for help after revenue suddenly dried up due to the coronavirus lockdown and it had only enough cash left for two and a half weeks .
It costs £11,500 a week to look after its 250 animals .
Deputy chief executive Coral Jones said : `` We looked at our donations emails this morning , and there was an amazing response .
When we added it all up it was about £40,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been `` phenomenal '' following a Sky News report examining the plight of zoos during the COVID-19 lockdown .
The money offers the zoo another four weeks of running costs - but the future after that is still uncertain .
`` The support is incredible , '' said Ms Jones .
`` There 's people donating half their salaries in one go , there are people donating £50 , but even just a tenner or a fiver makes such a difference .
`` The positive comments have been really humbling , that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carry on supporting us , '' she added .
During feeding time for two Siberian tigers , zoo boss Ben Mee told Sky News : `` We 're a seasonal charity - absolutely dependent on income through the holiday period to keep endangered animals alive . ''
He said it was vital to get `` people through the door '' to pay for food , vet bills and zookeepers .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The lockdown has meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs remaining high .
Dartmoor Zoo has furloughed around two thirds of its staff , but 14 have been kept on to feed the animals .
Mr Mee said they have so far been unable to claim £100,000 of business interruption money through their insurance company .
Before the public 's generous help , Ms Jones told Sky News the zoo 's prospects appeared bleak .
`` We 'd have to look for homes for these guys and hopefully we 'd find suitable homes for them which is not easy considering the animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The worst case scenario is we 'd have to look at euthanasia , which absolutely can not happen as far as we 're concerned , and we 'll work very hard not to be the end result . ''
With traditional fundraising events not possible , they launched the emergency appeal to raise money .
Eleven-year-old Joshua White heard about the zoo 's problems and is now climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest up his stairs at home to raise money .
He said : `` We love animals , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
I like all the powers it can do ... it 's like animals have superpowers , so I really wanted to help save the animals and a lot of people do too .
So I wanted to do it . ''
Joshua says he has completed around 1,000 of 3,400 steps so far .

A Devon zoo has been saved from imminent closure after a flood of donations helped it meet its monthly budget in a single night.
Dartmoor Zoo appealed for help after revenue suddenly dried up due to the coronavirus lockdown and it had only enough cash left for two and a half weeks.
It costs £11,500 a week to look after its 250 animals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 UK zoo faces permanent closure amid lockdown
Deputy chief executive Coral Jones said: "We looked at our donations emails this morning, and there was an amazing response. When we added it all up it was about £40,000."
She said the response had been "phenomenal" following a Sky News report examining the plight of zoos during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Image: Many of the animals at Dartmoor Zoo are endangered
The money offers the zoo another four weeks of running costs - but the future after that is still uncertain.
"The support is incredible," said Ms Jones.
"There's people donating half their salaries in one go, there are people donating £50, but even just a tenner or a fiver makes such a difference.
"The positive comments have been really humbling, that people are happy to support us and keen to carry on supporting us," she added.
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Image: Dartmoor Zoo has not yet been able to access government business assistance
During feeding time for two Siberian tigers, zoo boss Ben Mee told Sky News: "We're a seasonal charity - absolutely dependent on income through the holiday period to keep endangered animals alive."
He said it was vital to get "people through the door" to pay for food, vet bills and zookeepers.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The lockdown has meant many zoos are struggling, with running costs remaining high.
Dartmoor Zoo has furloughed around two thirds of its staff, but 14 have been kept on to feed the animals.
Image: The zoo would have to find new homes for the animals if it closed permanently
Mr Mee said they have so far been unable to claim £100,000 of business interruption money through their insurance company.
Before the public's generous help, Ms Jones told Sky News the zoo's prospects appeared bleak.
"We'd have to look for homes for these guys and hopefully we'd find suitable homes for them which is not easy considering the animals we've got," she said.
"The worst case scenario is we'd have to look at euthanasia ,which absolutely cannot happen as far as we're concerned, and we'll work very hard not to be the end result."
Image: Dartmoor Zoo said euthanasia was a 'worst-case scenario'
With traditional fundraising events not possible, they launched the emergency appeal to raise money.
Eleven-year-old Joshua White heard about the zoo's problems and is now climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest up his stairs at home to raise money.
He said: "We love animals, I've always loved animals all my life... I like all the powers it can do...it's like animals have superpowers, so I really wanted to help save the animals and a lot of people do too. So I wanted to do it."
Joshua says he has completed around 1,000 of 3,400 steps so far.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: 'What am I risking my life for?' Some carers refusing to work over COVID-19 fears

A company that provides care to vulnerable people in their own homes has said some staff are refusing to come to work because they are afraid of catching and spreading coronavirus .
Ten per cent of staff at Sisters Care Services in Birmingham are no longer prepared to go into the homes of the patients they care for because they do not feel adequately protected .
The firm 's stock of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is dwindling and it is struggling to buy in more since the coronavirus outbreak .
Its chief executive Tsitsi Mudokwani told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you : ' I can not come , ' and I ca n't force them if they 're telling me : 'What am I risking my life for ? '
'' `` We are finding now a challenge of care packages failing because the carers do n't want to go anymore . ''
One staff member has already tested positive for COVID-19 .
Others are not able to book tests because they do not own cars so can not access drive-through testing facilities .
`` They are feeling so demoralised , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so little and nobody is recognising them at all .
`` The government is not recognising them .
The community is not even recognising them . ''
The company is contracted by the NHS to provide care in people 's homes .
It usually involves making four calls a day to help with essential medication , hygiene , dressing and cooking .
Many of their patients would be unable to live at home without the visits and would have to move into residential care .
Although the company 's contracts to provide care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is an independent service and has been unable to place orders with some suppliers of PPE that do not provide kit to `` agencies '' .
The company 's director Vicki Mangwendeza nee Mudokwani said : `` I do n't think we are a priority because we asked for gowns and we did n't get any gowns .
`` We 've got a COVID-19 positive client so how are we supposed to look after them ?
It 's a risk to our carers , their families and the other clients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they feel terrified they will inadvertently pass the virus to their patients .
Siana Swallow told Sky News : `` I think it is very worrying because you might feel fine but you might go to a supermarket and you might pick something up that someone 's already touched .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We 're going in to people with respiratory problems and loads of underlying conditions and it 's very scary for them . ''
Her colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children upstairs when she gets home from work so she can change her clothes and shower before coming into contact with them .
`` I worry , I 'm the mother of two kids , '' she said .
`` But our patients need us , it 's our job so we do it . ''

A company that provides care to vulnerable people in their own homes has said some staff are refusing to come to work because they are afraid of catching and spreading coronavirus.
Ten per cent of staff at Sisters Care Services in Birmingham are no longer prepared to go into the homes of the patients they care for because they do not feel adequately protected.
The firm's stock of personal protective equipment (PPE) is dwindling and it is struggling to buy in more since the coronavirus outbreak.
Its chief executive Tsitsi Mudokwani told Sky News: "Some of them will tell you: 'I cannot come,' and I can't force them if they're telling me: 'What am I risking my life for?'"
Image: The company is contracted by the NHS to provide care in people's homes
"We are finding now a challenge of care packages failing because the carers don't want to go anymore."
One staff member has already tested positive for COVID-19. Others are not able to book tests because they do not own cars so cannot access drive-through testing facilities.
"They are feeling so demoralised," said Ms Mudokwani. "The money is so little and nobody is recognising them at all.
"The government is not recognising them. The community is not even recognising them."
The company is contracted by the NHS to provide care in people's homes. It usually involves making four calls a day to help with essential medication, hygiene, dressing and cooking.
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Many of their patients would be unable to live at home without the visits and would have to move into residential care.
Although the company's contracts to provide care are with the local clinical commissioning group, it is an independent service and has been unable to place orders with some suppliers of PPE that do not provide kit to "agencies".
The company's director Vicki Mangwendeza nee Mudokwani said: "I don't think we are a priority because we asked for gowns and we didn't get any gowns.
"We've got a COVID-19 positive client so how are we supposed to look after them? It's a risk to our carers, their families and the other clients."
Carers who are at work say they feel terrified they will inadvertently pass the virus to their patients.
Siana Swallow told Sky News: "I think it is very worrying because you might feel fine but you might go to a supermarket and you might pick something up that someone's already touched.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"We're going in to people with respiratory problems and loads of underlying conditions and it's very scary for them."
Her colleague Ayaan Khalif describes how she sends her children upstairs when she gets home from work so she can change her clothes and shower before coming into contact with them.
"I worry, I'm the mother of two kids," she said. "But our patients need us, it's our job so we do it."


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: China 'will allow international investigators in but not now'

China is ready to let international investigators visit the city of Wuhan as part of an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic but only when the time is right , the country 's ambassador to the UK has told Sky News .
Liu Xiaoming defended his country against a barrage of attacks from President Donald Trump over its handling of the health emergency .
He insisted there had been no cover-up by the authorities since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan in December .
The senior diplomat also denied allegations by US intelligence agencies that China-linked hacking groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking into coronavirus vaccines .
`` There is not any cover-up up at all , '' Ambassador Liu told Sky News presenter Mark Austin .
`` We shared information with the WHO ( World Health Organisation ) and the world without delay and we notified the United States from the very beginning on 13 January . ''
President Trump has repeatedly accused China of hiding information on the virus during the early days .
He has also claimed to have evidence the disease leaked accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan that is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bats .
Beijing has dismissed the allegations as smears and disinformation .
Ambassador Liu said his country would be open to an international investigation headed by the World Health Organisation coming to China , including Wuhan , provided that it was not `` politically motivated '' .
`` We are open , we are transparent , we have nothing to hide , we have nothing to fear , '' he said .
`` We welcome an international independent review but it has to be organised by the WHO .
It should be international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to international scientists , the diplomat said : `` Yes of course at an appropriate time but not now . ''
He said at the moment the world should focus on the global hunt for a vaccine .
But the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security this week accused China-linked `` cyber actors '' of targeting US organisations doing research into vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ambassador Liu asked what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the first time that the US made such a fabrication and a false accusations against China , '' he said .
`` This is not only their efforts to undermine the international collaboration to work together to find vaccine , I think vaccine will be the final solution to the problem . ''
He underlined how Britain and China are working together to combat the virus .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , is due to speak to his Chinese counterpart along with British and Chinese scientists on Friday to swap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to enhance collaboration .
This virus is our common enemy .
We should come to the aid of each other to win the final battle . ''

China is ready to let international investigators visit the city of Wuhan as part of an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic but only when the time is right, the country's ambassador to the UK has told Sky News.
Liu Xiaoming defended his country against a barrage of attacks from President Donald Trump over its handling of the health emergency.
He insisted there had been no cover-up by the authorities since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan in December.
The senior diplomat also denied allegations by US intelligence agencies that China-linked hacking groups had been targeting US medical research institutes looking into coronavirus vaccines.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 8 May: Trump blames China for outbreak
"There is not any cover-up up at all," Ambassador Liu told Sky News presenter Mark Austin.
"We shared information with the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the world without delay and we notified the United States from the very beginning on 13 January."
President Trump has repeatedly accused China of hiding information on the virus during the early days.
He has also claimed to have evidence the disease leaked accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan that is known to have conducted research into coronaviruses in bats.
Beijing has dismissed the allegations as smears and disinformation.
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Ambassador Liu said his country would be open to an international investigation headed by the World Health Organisation coming to China, including Wuhan, provided that it was not "politically motivated".
"We are open, we are transparent, we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear," he said.
"We welcome an international independent review but it has to be organised by the WHO. It should be international."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 30 April: WHO 'not invited' to join China investigation
Asked if Beijing would give access to international scientists, the diplomat said: "Yes of course at an appropriate time but not now."
He said at the moment the world should focus on the global hunt for a vaccine.
But the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security this week accused China-linked "cyber actors" of targeting US organisations doing research into vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ambassador Liu asked what the evidence was.
"This is not the first time that the US made such a fabrication and a false accusations against China," he said.
"This is not only their efforts to undermine the international collaboration to work together to find vaccine, I think vaccine will be the final solution to the problem."
He underlined how Britain and China are working together to combat the virus.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is due to speak to his Chinese counterpart along with British and Chinese scientists on Friday to swap notes, the ambassador said.
"We need to enhance collaboration. This virus is our common enemy. We should come to the aid of each other to win the final battle."


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Williamson moves to reassure parents over school reopening plan

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has sought to reassure parents and teachers worried about government plans to get some children back to school on 1 June .
Mr Williamson , speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday , said the plan to allow very young school children to restart at the start of June and others to start later was based on the `` best scientific advice '' and put children at the heart of their decision .
It comes after teaching unions said they were willing to work with the government to begin to re-open schools in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the risk coronavirus could flare up again .
On Friday , after a meeting with the government 's scientific advisers , union representatives said they had been left with more questions than answers , with one union leader describing the scientific evidence as `` flimsy at best '' .
They were backed by the doctors ' union - the British Medical Association - which said schools should not reopen until the numbers of coronavirus cases were `` much lower '' .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are also yet to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The education secretary said at the briefing : `` I know lots of you will be worried about sending your children to school .
Every one of us wants the very best for our children and I know how stressful this time has been for families across the country .
`` I want to reassure you that this approach is based on the best scientific advice , with children at the very heart of everything we do . ''
Mr Williamson added that his department has set up a `` hierarchy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home if they have coronavirus symptoms and that proper hand-washing , hygiene and cleaning routines would be put in place in schools .
He said the reopening would be done in `` a very , very cautious and phased way '' .
He praised teachers for `` going above and beyond the call of duty '' for continuing to teach children of key workers , as well as making sure children at home were given the resources they need .
`` You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We have been quite clear all along that we 'd only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met .
That position has not changed nor will it . ''
But he added : `` We can now start the planning for very limited return to school for some pupils potentially as early as next month . ''
He said mixing was a `` key element '' of what needs to be done , but that was `` why we have gone in this initial stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 15 '' .
`` We have looked all across Europe to see how this best works , '' he added .
`` We have seen some good examples in nations such as Denmark where it seems to have worked very well .
`` We are creating a protective bubble around them , reducing the amount of mixing and making sure that those small groups stay together almost like a family within a classroom . ''
He suggested that by cutting the amount of contact they have with other teachers and children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection was `` dramatically '' reduced , but added that his door was always open to teachers if they have any concerns .
General secretary of the NASUWT teaching union Patrick Roach welcomed Mr Williamson 's commitment to talk , saying it was essential ministers provided the reassurance teachers were seeking .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said it was the behaviour of young people that would have more impact on the R number - the rate at which the virus spreads - than simply going back to school ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back first .
She said : `` The model that 's been adopted , the suggestion for younger children to go back to school , is not just because of the school environment but it 's about the behaviours that go with it .
`` If you pull back a whole load of older children , they tend to get on buses , travel longer distances , have different social interactions .
`` And some of those social interactions are actually far more significant in moving the R value than just going @ @ @ @ @

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has sought to reassure parents and teachers worried about government plans to get some children back to school on 1 June.
Mr Williamson, speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday, said the plan to allow very young school children to restart at the start of June and others to start later was based on the "best scientific advice" and put children at the heart of their decision.
It comes after teaching unions said they were willing to work with the government to begin to re-open schools in England - provided it could be done safely without the risk coronavirus could flare up again.
On Friday, after a meeting with the government's scientific advisers, union representatives said they had been left with more questions than answers, with one union leader describing the scientific evidence as "flimsy at best".
They were backed by the doctors' union - the British Medical Association - which said schools should not reopen until the numbers of coronavirus cases were "much lower". Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also yet to set a timetable for a return to school.
The education secretary said at the briefing: "I know lots of you will be worried about sending your children to school. Every one of us wants the very best for our children and I know how stressful this time has been for families across the country.
"I want to reassure you that this approach is based on the best scientific advice, with children at the very heart of everything we do."
Mr Williamson added that his department has set up a "hierarchy of controls", insisting that people stay at home if they have coronavirus symptoms and that proper hand-washing, hygiene and cleaning routines would be put in place in schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 'Deep, legitimate concerns' on schools reopening
He said the reopening would be done in "a very, very cautious and phased way".
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He praised teachers for "going above and beyond the call of duty" for continuing to teach children of key workers, as well as making sure children at home were given the resources they need.
"You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for what you've done," he said.
"We have been quite clear all along that we'd only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met. That position has not changed nor will it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Liverpool mayor: 'Schools will stay closed'
But he added: "We can now start the planning for very limited return to school for some pupils potentially as early as next month."
He said mixing was a "key element" of what needs to be done, but that was "why we have gone in this initial stage of much-reduced sizes down to a maximum of 15".
"We have looked all across Europe to see how this best works," he added. "We have seen some good examples in nations such as Denmark where it seems to have worked very well.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'No scientific evidence schools can reopen'
"We are creating a protective bubble around them, reducing the amount of mixing and making sure that those small groups stay together almost like a family within a classroom."
He suggested that by cutting the amount of contact they have with other teachers and children, it was hoped the risk of potential infection was "dramatically" reduced, but added that his door was always open to teachers if they have any concerns.
General secretary of the NASUWT teaching union Patrick Roach welcomed Mr Williamson's commitment to talk, saying it was essential ministers provided the reassurance teachers were seeking.
England's deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said it was the behaviour of young people that would have more impact on the R number - the rate at which the virus spreads - than simply going back to school; that was why the youngest children would go back first.
She said: "The model that's been adopted, the suggestion for younger children to go back to school, is not just because of the school environment but it's about the behaviours that go with it.
"If you pull back a whole load of older children, they tend to get on buses, travel longer distances, have different social interactions.
"And some of those social interactions are actually far more significant in moving the R value than just going back to school."


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Government to invest £93m to bring forward opening date of vaccine manufacturing centre

The government is to invest up to £93m in the UK 's new vaccine manufacturing centre to ensure it opens next summer .
Described as a key component of the government 's coronavirus programme , the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre ( VMIC ) was previously scheduled to open in 2022. Business Secretary Alok Sharma will also announce on Sunday a further £38m investment on a temporary facility which could begin to produce a vaccine this summer , if one is found .
Vaccine production is extremely limited in the UK , but when the VMIC is completed it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve the entire UK population in as few as six months .
As of this weekend there have been more than 240,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK , with more than 34,000 deaths - although official figures are likely to be limited .
There are currently no confirmed treatments available for patients with the virus , although clinical trials of a vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford are ongoing .
Researchers at Oxford 's Jenner Institute believe their vaccine , officially called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 ( pronounced Chaddox One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of success based on previous work .
The same vaccine technology has been used on other diseases , including the related coronavirus MERS , as well as Ebola .
It is essentially a version of a common cold virus that has been modified so that it does n't cause symptoms but instead causes the immune system to produce coronavirus antibodies .
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told Sky News that he believed the scientists would have a pretty good idea by July whether their vaccine works .
However the government 's chief medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 18 months off , and has insisted some form of social distancing will still be needed until one is in widespread use .
Despite this , the researchers - alongside AstraZeneca and other companies - are manufacturing a million doses themselves by September ahead of the completion of the trial .
The VMIC is being built on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire .
It will be the UK 's first not-for-profit organisation established to develop the mass production of vaccines .
In the long-term it will boost the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also assist in manufacturing vaccines for existing diseases such as the flu .
Mr Sharma said : `` As the biggest contributor to the international coalition to find a vaccine , the UK is leading the global response .
`` Once a breakthrough is made , we need to be ready to manufacture a vaccine by the millions .
`` The new Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre and temporary facility will build 'fill and finish ' capacity , bringing the UK vaccine programme together from discovery to distribution . ''
VMIC 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary 's announcement as `` an important endorsement '' for the centre , which has also received £76m in private funding .

The government is to invest up to £93m in the UK's new vaccine manufacturing centre to ensure it opens next summer.
Described as a key component of the government's coronavirus programme, the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) was previously scheduled to open in 2022.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma will also announce on Sunday a further £38m investment on a temporary facility which could begin to produce a vaccine this summer, if one is found.
Vaccine production is extremely limited in the UK, but when the VMIC is completed it should be capable of producing enough vaccines to serve the entire UK population in as few as six months.
As of this weekend there have been more than 240,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with more than 34,000 deaths - although official figures are likely to be limited.
There are currently no confirmed treatments available for patients with the virus, although clinical trials of a vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford are ongoing.
Researchers at Oxford's Jenner Institute believe their vaccine, officially called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (pronounced Chaddox One), has an 80% chance of success based on previous work.
The same vaccine technology has been used on other diseases, including the related coronavirus MERS, as well as Ebola.
It is essentially a version of a common cold virus that has been modified so that it doesn't cause symptoms but instead causes the immune system to produce coronavirus antibodies.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:04 What's the timescale for a COVID-19 vaccine?
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told Sky News that he believed the scientists would have a pretty good idea by July whether their vaccine works.
However the government's chief medical officer insists a jab is still 12 to 18 months off, and has insisted some form of social distancing will still be needed until one is in widespread use.
Despite this, the researchers - alongside AstraZeneca and other companies - are manufacturing a million doses themselves by September ahead of the completion of the trial.
Image: An artist's impression of what the VMIC will look like.
The VMIC is being built on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
It will be the UK's first not-for-profit organisation established to develop the mass production of vaccines.
In the long-term it will boost the country's capacity against future viruses, and also assist in manufacturing vaccines for existing diseases such as the flu.
Mr Sharma said: "As the biggest contributor to the international coalition to find a vaccine, the UK is leading the global response.
"Once a breakthrough is made, we need to be ready to manufacture a vaccine by the millions.
"The new Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre and temporary facility will build 'fill and finish' capacity, bringing the UK vaccine programme together from discovery to distribution."
VMIC's chief executive Dr Matthew Duchars described the business secretary's announcement as "an important endorsement" for the centre, which has also received £76m in private funding.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Social care providers 'about 24 hours away' from running out of PPE

Community care providers across the UK `` are down to about 24 hours ' worth of PPE '' for their staff , Sky News has learned .
Mark Adams , chief executive of social care provider Community Integrated Care ( CIC ) , says during a group call with `` about 25 chief executives from the social care sector '' , many revealed they were dangerously short of protective equipment .
Mr Adams told Sky News : `` They then have the ethical dilemma of what do you do when you run out ?
`` Do you still allow your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have no protection whatsoever ? ''
A spokesman for Community Integrated Care stressed that they were not running low on PPE .
In a daily COVID-19 Downing Street press conference last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that supporting the social care sector was `` a priority '' .
But Mr Adams argues that help has come too late .
He says : `` We 'll see two things happening , we 'll see stories of incredible bravery as people go above and beyond to help the vulnerable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some tragedies . ''
Community Integrated Care provides support for around 800,000 vulnerable people across the UK , the majority of that is in-home support for working-age adults with learning disabilities .
He lives in a home setting which is supported 24 hours , seven days a week by social care staff .
`` I 'm a bit lost now because I do n't have a routine , '' Mr Brooks told Sky News .
`` I do get quite depressed about certain situations , but the staff have helped me a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
`` Otherwise , I 'd just be in my room the whole time and that 's not a good thing . ''
During our visit , Mr Brooks ' support worker , Kay , plays a game of swing-ball with him in the garden , encourages him to play on his drum kit and helps him make a cup of tea .
It is assistance that relies on there being a degree of proximity between carers and those that they support .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Some staff have already made huge sacrifices .
`` I 've had two members of staff who have moved into a service with someone that we support that is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms , '' Kelly Winham , CIC 's Regional Manager for the North East told Sky News .
`` We 're not in hospitals , we 're not frontline in that way , but we are very much frontline in our local communities . ''

Community care providers across the UK "are down to about 24 hours' worth of PPE" for their staff, Sky News has learned.
Mark Adams, chief executive of social care provider Community Integrated Care (CIC), says during a group call with "about 25 chief executives from the social care sector", many revealed they were dangerously short of protective equipment.
Mr Adams told Sky News: "They then have the ethical dilemma of what do you do when you run out?
"Do you still allow your staff to work into a building when they have no protection whatsoever?"
A spokesman for Community Integrated Care stressed that they were not running low on PPE.
In a daily COVID-19 Downing Street press conference last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that supporting the social care sector was "a priority".
But Mr Adams argues that help has come too late.
He says: "We'll see two things happening, we'll see stories of incredible bravery as people go above and beyond to help the vulnerable. But we're also going to see some tragedies."
Community Integrated Care provides support for around 800,000 vulnerable people across the UK, the majority of that is in-home support for working-age adults with learning disabilities.
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James Brooks, 27, from Middlesbrough lives with a learning disability.
He lives in a home setting which is supported 24 hours, seven days a week by social care staff.
Image: James Brooks says care staff have helped him through the crisis
"I'm a bit lost now because I don't have a routine," Mr Brooks told Sky News. "I do get quite depressed about certain situations, but the staff have helped me a lot to try and come up with things to do.
"Otherwise, I'd just be in my room the whole time and that's not a good thing."
Image: James Brooks lives in a home that provides 24-hour care
During our visit, Mr Brooks' support worker, Kay, plays a game of swing-ball with him in the garden, encourages him to play on his drum kit and helps him make a cup of tea.
It is assistance that relies on there being a degree of proximity between carers and those that they support.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Some staff have already made huge sacrifices.
"I've had two members of staff who have moved into a service with someone that we support that is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms," Kelly Winham, CIC's Regional Manager for the North East told Sky News.
"We're not in hospitals, we're not frontline in that way, but we are very much frontline in our local communities."


news--2020-05-08--VE Day anniversary: Nation falls silent to mark 75 years since the end of WWII in Europe

The UK has fallen silent to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day , with the Red Arrows performing a London flypast and people around the country celebrating in homes and gardens .
The RAF display team flew over London on Friday morning and Typhoons also took to the sky in Edinburgh , Cardiff and Belfast .
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall led the two-minute silence at 11am by laying a wreath at Balmoral - a handwritten message read : `` In everlasting remembrance '' .
An address by the Queen to the nation will be broadcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day the Second World War ended in Europe , after the Allies accepted the Nazi surrender .
Thousands flooded the streets to celebrate after Sir Winston Chuchill announced Germany 's `` unconditional surrender '' , ending six devastating years of war .
His famous address was again broadcast on television on Friday afternoon as Britons were invited to toast the wartime generation with : `` To those who gave so much , we thank you '' .
The Queen will address the nation in a pre-recorded message at 9pm - the exact time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The coronavirus crisis meant many VE Day plans were cancelled or scaled down , but people have made the best of the good weather to dress their houses in bunting and pay tribute from their gardens .
Residents of Cambrian Road in Chester donned period clothing and brought tables and chairs onto the street for a socially distanced tea party .
In St Neots , Cambridgeshire , `` VE 75 '' was mown in huge letters on one street , alongside a chalk-drawn Union flag .
A Spitfire aircraft with `` Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flew over southern England , passing locations such as a care home with 44 wartime residents , and the homes of fundraiser Colonel Tom Moore and Forces ' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn .
Britons are being encouraged to join a doorstep singalong of Dame Vera 's wartime song We 'll Meet Again after the Queen 's speech later .
The prime minister , who observed the two-minute silence from inside Downing Street , tweeted a video message in which he said the nation 's gratitude `` will be eternal '' .
Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation : `` Today , we remember those who stood for our country and for our freedom .
We remember their service and their sacrifice . ''
European countries have also held events to mark the end of conflict on the continent .
French President Emmanuel Macron led a small ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe , laying a wreath and relighting the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .
He was accompanied by former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy .
Mr Macron also laid a wreath at the statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the French resistance during the war .
In Germany , Chancellor Angela Merkel and other top officials laid wreaths at the memorial to victims of war and violence in Berlin , standing in silence as a trumpet played .

The UK has fallen silent to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, with the Red Arrows performing a London flypast and people around the country celebrating in homes and gardens.
The RAF display team flew over London on Friday morning and Typhoons also took to the sky in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall led the two-minute silence at 11am by laying a wreath at Balmoral - a handwritten message read: "In everlasting remembrance".
An address by the Queen to the nation will be broadcast on Friday evening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Cockpit view of Red Arrows flypast
VE Day marks the day the Second World War ended in Europe, after the Allies accepted the Nazi surrender.
Thousands flooded the streets to celebrate after Sir Winston Chuchill announced Germany's "unconditional surrender", ending six devastating years of war.
Image: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall led the silence from Balmoral
Image: A veteran was applauded at The Cenotaph in London
His famous address was again broadcast on television on Friday afternoon as Britons were invited to toast the wartime generation with: "To those who gave so much, we thank you".
The Queen will address the nation in a pre-recorded message at 9pm - the exact time her father made his broadcast in 1945.
The coronavirus crisis meant many VE Day plans were cancelled or scaled down, but people have made the best of the good weather to dress their houses in bunting and pay tribute from their gardens.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 Churchill's speech on VE Day
Residents of Cambrian Road in Chester donned period clothing and brought tables and chairs onto the street for a socially distanced tea party.
In St Neots, Cambridgeshire, "VE 75" was mown in huge letters on one street, alongside a chalk-drawn Union flag.
A Spitfire aircraft with "Thank You NHS" on its nose also flew over southern England, passing locations such as a care home with 44 wartime residents, and the homes of fundraiser Colonel Tom Moore and Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn.
Image: Dame Joan Collins led a toast to veterans from her London balcony
Image: A man waves a Union flag on his bike in Parsons Green, London
Image: Residents of Cambrian Road in Chester dressed in period costume
Britons are being encouraged to join a doorstep singalong of Dame Vera's wartime song We'll Meet Again after the Queen's speech later.
The prime minister, who observed the two-minute silence from inside Downing Street, tweeted a video message in which he said the nation's gratitude "will be eternal".
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said of the wartime generation: "Today, we remember those who stood for our country and for our freedom. We remember their service and their sacrifice."
Image: A Spitfire with a message thanking NHS workers flew over southern England
Image: The Red Arrows pictured over the statue of Winston Churchill in Westminster
European countries have also held events to mark the end of conflict on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron led a small ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, laying a wreath and relighting the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
He was accompanied by former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Mr Macron also laid a wreath at the statue of General Charles de Gaulle, who led the French resistance during the war.
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel and other top officials laid wreaths at the memorial to victims of war and violence in Berlin, standing in silence as a trumpet played.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Top economist says central banks should give away 'free money'

One of Ireland 's top economists has urged governments to consider following Donald Trump 's lead in giving away `` free money '' to boost pandemic-hit economies .
David McWilliams , an author and former economist at the Central Bank of Ireland , said money should be printed and put into the accounts of the public and businesses in a bid to boost consumer spending and combat deflationary shock .
The tactic is known as `` helicopter money '' , or a `` helicopter drop '' , a term coined by American economist Milton Friedman in the late 1960s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its people with cash from above .
There have been some precedents set during the coronavirus crisis .
As part of a $ 2.2trn stimulus package announced by the US president , most Americans are being sent cheques for up to $ 1,200 ( £967 ) to spend as they wish .
In February , Hong Kong unveiled its plan to hand every adult permanent resident around £1,000 .
`` I think Trump in this regard has the right idea , '' Mr McWilliams said .
`` Sometimes in economics , very simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple .
What we 're trying to do is to get money from the central bank to the people .
`` Why have the banks in the middle been complicating it ?
The solution to a cash crisis is free money .
I know it sounds ridiculously easy ... because it is . ''
For helicopter money to work - in other words , for people to spend the free money - they have to believe the government has printed , or created , the funds .
If people believe it will instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the natural instinct could be to save the money , thereby defeating the purpose of the exercise .
Mr McWilliams describes this as `` the alchemy of central banking '' .
`` Once inflation is low , the central bank can just print the stuff , '' he said .
`` We have an economic vaccine - it 's called money .
We know the central bank prints it .
It does n't even have to print it , it just has to put a zero after people 's accounts .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
And amazingly , we 're not using it because of some morality idea that we ca n't do this because it will lead to inflation , when we know we 're in a deflationary spiral .
`` It is absolutely nonsensical .
It is as mad as a laboratory having the vaccination for COVID-19 , and saying 'we 're not going to use it ' . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , the Irish minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think there are far better ways in which we can get our economy to recover .
`` The issue with helicopter money is that policy approach presupposes giving the same to everybody , '' he said .
`` I believe the way we need to help somebody who 's lost a job is completely different to somebody who 's kept a job .
We need to treat both those needs separately . ''
However , helicopter money can be tailored with a sliding scale depending on the recipient 's circumstances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other European countries may be considering the tactic more carefully .
Last month , the head of France 's central bank Francois Villeroy de Galhau ( also a member of the ECB 's governing council ) mooted the possibility that a central bank `` would create money on a lasting basis to finance business directly '' .
Proponents say helicopter money would especially boost small businesses , which are more vulnerable to cash flow issues .
Julianne Brogan is the owner of Blacksheep Foods and the Baa Baa café in Dublin 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off most of her staff , and is now only open for deliveries three days a week .
She `` absolutely '' supports the concept of helicopter money as a way to loosen potential customers ' purse strings .
`` It 's a domino effect , '' she said .
`` If people have money , they 're spending .
I can spend on the farmers that deliver to me every day , the producers .
It 's a domino effect for everyone , so everyone 's winning . ''

One of Ireland's top economists has urged governments to consider following Donald Trump's lead in giving away "free money" to boost pandemic-hit economies.
David McWilliams, an author and former economist at the Central Bank of Ireland, said money should be printed and put into the accounts of the public and businesses in a bid to boost consumer spending and combat deflationary shock.
The tactic is known as "helicopter money", or a "helicopter drop", a term coined by American economist Milton Friedman in the late 1960s, as a metaphor for a government showering its people with cash from above.
There have been some precedents set during the coronavirus crisis.
Image: David McWilliams says 'free money' would boost consumer spending and combat deflationary shock
As part of a $2.2trn stimulus package announced by the US president, most Americans are being sent cheques for up to $1,200 (£967) to spend as they wish.
In February, Hong Kong unveiled its plan to hand every adult permanent resident around £1,000.
"I think Trump in this regard has the right idea," Mr McWilliams said.
"Sometimes in economics, very simple solutions are avoided precisely because they're simple. What we're trying to do is to get money from the central bank to the people.
"Why have the banks in the middle been complicating it? The solution to a cash crisis is free money. I know it sounds ridiculously easy... because it is."
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For helicopter money to work - in other words, for people to spend the free money - they have to believe the government has printed, or created, the funds.
Image: Paschal Donohoe says there are 'far better ways in which we can get our economy to recover'
If people believe it will instead be funded by future tax increases, the natural instinct could be to save the money, thereby defeating the purpose of the exercise.
Mr McWilliams describes this as "the alchemy of central banking".
"Once inflation is low, the central bank can just print the stuff," he said.
"We have an economic vaccine - it's called money. We know the central bank prints it. It doesn't even have to print it, it just has to put a zero after people's accounts.
"We have the vaccine, we know what to do. And amazingly, we're not using it because of some morality idea that we can't do this because it will lead to inflation, when we know we're in a deflationary spiral.
"It is absolutely nonsensical. It is as mad as a laboratory having the vaccination for COVID-19, and saying 'we're not going to use it'."
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However, the Irish minister for finance, Paschal Donohoe, said: "I think there are far better ways in which we can get our economy to recover.
"The issue with helicopter money is that policy approach presupposes giving the same to everybody," he said.
"I believe the way we need to help somebody who's lost a job is completely different to somebody who's kept a job. We need to treat both those needs separately."
However, helicopter money can be tailored with a sliding scale depending on the recipient's circumstances, as with Mr Trump's stimulus cheques.
Other European countries may be considering the tactic more carefully. Last month, the head of France's central bank Francois Villeroy de Galhau (also a member of the ECB's governing council) mooted the possibility that a central bank "would create money on a lasting basis to finance business directly".
Proponents say helicopter money would especially boost small businesses, which are more vulnerable to cash flow issues.
Image: Julianne Brogan believes helicopter money would create a 'domino effect for everyone'
Julianne Brogan is the owner of Blacksheep Foods and the Baa Baa café in Dublin's Chapelizod.
She has had to lay off most of her staff, and is now only open for deliveries three days a week.
She "absolutely" supports the concept of helicopter money as a way to loosen potential customers' purse strings.
"It's a domino effect," she said.
"If people have money, they're spending. I can spend on the farmers that deliver to me every day, the producers. It's a domino effect for everyone, so everyone's winning."