WORLD renowned explorer Bear Grylls has praised a Highbridge teacher who missed her wedding and instead is using her skills as a scout leader to help people affected by Covid-19.

Lizzie Harvey, an English teacher at The King Alfred School Academy (TKASA) has taken the helm as the leader of a not-for-profit organisation made up of 500 Somerset volunteers which helps people across Somerset who are suffering directly or indirectly due to the effects of Covid-19.

Lizzie was due to get married on April 18 and have her honeymoon in the Hebrides but it was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The popular English teacher and her 'Clevedon Aid -C.I.C' delivers essential food, and prescriptions to residents across North Somerset.

It also collects and delivers Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all all the care-homes, GPs and the MIU.

The group is running extra collection days in partnership with the local foodbank and are working on a project with local businesses to provide hot meals to families in need as well as offering a mental health and well-being check-in service.

Popular explorer Bear Grylls, who endorsed Britain's first secondary school based scout group at TKASA with Sir Ranulph Fiennes, praised Lizzie and her colleagues for their 'selfless' acts of kindness.

“We are all so proud of Lizzie and her friends," Bear said.

“Being a scout is all about helping others, and helping the community, and these skills are vital in crisis’ such as the one we are in at the moment.

“Well done to Lizzie and all those who are doing similar selfless acts at this time of hardship.”

The organisation is now the central hub supporting all aid being delivered by charities and outlets in the area, as well as with authorities such as Avon and Somerset Police, the NHS, social services and care providers.

Lizzie, who is now volunteering seven days a week, said: “It is a privilege to help. I was due to celebrating my honeymoon now but this is a global crisis and this is so much more important.

“I’m drawing hourly on my skills learned as a teacher and scout leader, with regards to leadership, dealing with a crisis, safeguarding the vulnerable, and so many ways.

“Teaching is the best job in the world and I love being able to continue being a scout leader to help develop young people further.

“The school values and the scout values are the same. It’s always about helping other people whenever and whenever we can.”

The group is currently looking for donations to provide these much needed services to people.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/clevedon-aid?utm_term=pBbKekBrx