By Zane Powles makes final lockdown deliveries
Zane Powles has made his final free school meal deliveries before schools reopen on Monday.
The Grimsby teacher was honoured and appointed MBE for completing 15,000 deliveries, ensuring that vulnerable children receive their free school meals during lockdown.
He has walked more than 900 miles since 23 March 2020 when he first began helping families.
In the third national lockdown he handed out almost 120 meals a day, compared around 85 meals per day in the second lockdown.
The two front wheels of Mr Powles’ trolley broke on the last day of deliveries, meaning he had to carry the remaining meals.
The 48-year-old said he was “exhausted” and “happy” the children were going back to school on Monday.
“It’s been immense and tough,” he added.
“I used to have a trolley but, believe it or not, about 10 minutes ago the front wheels of the trolley have just snapped off, so I’m now carrying them [the meals] in my rucksack and in my arms.
“I’m absolutely wiped out.”
He said the increase in the number of meal deliveries was the result of rising unemployment levels.
Mr Powles added that the latest deliveries had taken a toll on a knee injury he sustained from running 18 months ago.
He is currently awaiting surgical treatment.
“Every single mile has been worth the effort to support our families,” he continued.
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