Crossmichael comes together to help community hero celebrates her birthday

A Crossmichael community hero was on the receiving end for a change – when she celebrated her 37th birthday.

Throughout lockdown, Sam Priest has devoted her life to keeping vulnerable village residents connected and fed.

Her delivery service between Crossmichael and Castle Douglas for medicines, messages and meals has proved a lifeline.

And her efforts have helped keep town restaurants and chippies going during the crisis.

Gifts of goodies from Boots, flowers, cash and chocolates from a grateful community, friends and family added some birthday cheer.

Sam, who also runs the Crossmichael Covid-19 support page on Facebook, said: “We have at least 90 vulnerables on our list.

“A lot of the elderly people were just eating toast and biscuits and weren’t getting proper meals.”

Sam, originally from Bolton, added: “A lot of old folk and elderly literally did not have anybody.

“They had no way of getting their shopping or prescriptions.”

Sam and her volunteers operate a shuttle service between the village and Castle Douglas for takeaway meals every Friday.

“Each takeaway night brings in between £400 and £600 for local businesses,” she said. “That adds up to between £8,000 and £10,000 under lockdown from folk placing orders and getting meals in.”

And Sam, who is studying accountancy and law at Dumfries College, reckons there’s been a silver lining to the Covid-19 cloud.

She said: “One positive is that we know each other a lot better now. A lot of people were keeping themselves to themselves but they wanted to be part of this too. I just enjoy being a busy thing.”

Close friend Carly Wilson, from Castle Douglas, said: “Sam ensures nobody is left out and always piles praise on everyone that contributes.”