Andrew Robinson

Andrew has made a real difference in our local community over the past 2 years. As background, Andrew's 'day job' is as a veterinary surgeon helping local farmers, horse and pet owners care for their animals. The 'day job' also involves being on duty during the night and at weekends. Andrew has lots of family responsibilities as a son, husband, brother and father. In the rest of his 'spare' time Andrew has made a real difference in our local community by setting up the North Lakes Foodbank. The Foodbank co-ordinates the collection of tinned and dried food from Churches, Schools, community groups & individuals and then helps feed people in crisis by providing food whilst other Agencies help them find solutions to their problems. The Foodbank fed 464 people in 2010/11 across North Cumbria. Demand is increasing and the Foodbank is already on target to feed more than 800 people in 2011/12. There are two things that are particularly special about Andrew's role as Foodbank Director. The first is that he has the time to do it at all - as you'll already see from all the other responsibilities he has. The second is that he drove the project forward after our first warehouse was flooded on 19th November 2009 in the Cockermouth floods. All was lost but by 21st November Andrew had the Foodbank up and running again to help those affected by the floods, even with a 3 week old baby at home. Andrew is a big sports fan and this opportunity would give him his moment to shine.