TT star James Hillier offering delivery services for those in need

Isle of Man TT rider James Hillier has called out those who are ‘selfishly’ bulk buying to deny others the chance to get supplies in during widespread self-isolation, saying he is willing to help out where he can do to deliver supplies to those in need.

On a video posted to his social media profiles, Hillier says he is on call to those who need to be delivered supplies quickly and easily, adding if he can help just one person then it will be worthwhile.

The UK – along with several other nations – are adjusting to a life indoors as part of new government advice aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of more than 100 people in this country.

As such, many have taken to self-isolating but with the more vulnerable members of society not at risk of running out of supplies without delivery services – which are now being booked up weeks in advance – Hillier says he wants to do his bit to help.

Motorcyclists could become crucially important in the front line against the spread of the virus because they can get around the precautions put in place, such as social distancing and transporting deliveries without coming into direct breathable contact with anyone if they are wearing a helmet.

"I've got an idea I would like to put out there, if one person takes me up on it, it will be worthwhile,” he said on his Facebook and his Instagram pages.

"But I have here an online motorcycle parts store with the label printer and Royal Mail postal accounts all set up, and can send things on a 24 or a 48-hour delivery. What made me think of this was earlier I was trying to help my grandparents out who are currently in isolation at home.

"They have food currently, but nobody quite knows how long they'll be in for, but the next available [food] delivery was 10 days away - and that was on a main big supermarket, click and drop.

“It's obviously in high demand right now, which isn't really good enough I don't think, and there will be people who can't wait that long, who can't get out their house, who don't have family near them that can drop the products off, or food off or whatever they need.

"And if, like me, your family is spread out all over the country, then it's not easy and not everybody's got someone local who can assist them.

"So my theory and plan is to maybe offer some sort of delivery service. I can send products from here, I can go to the shop and purchase them obviously subject to availability and demand.

"I can parcel them up and send them out to the addresses you need if required."

Hillier left his phone number and e-mail address for those that may be interested

Hillier – who was due to ride the OMG Racing BMW on the 2020 Isle of Man TT before it was cancelled – also criticised the actions of some people who have ‘selfishly’ stockpiled at the behest of those who need critical supplies, urging the country to ‘unite’.

"It's important that everybody who can, can try to take a little load off [others who are struggling] and share, and we need to really work as a team to get through this.

"The country has to unite. The country is in a weird place right now. If you are one of these people bulk buying, then big shame on you. It's really selfish. Just try and think of other people and look after everybody, it's not just about you.”