Cuts, covid and community in Blackpool: 'There's no such thing as a hopeless case'

Mark and Abbie Butcher run Amazing Graze, a pizzeria which hands out free food and advice to those who need it in Blackpool.
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One of the poorest parts of the UK, with jobs seasonal and dependent largely on tourist income, Blackpool has been left reeling from the pandemic and the restaurant has seen heightened levels of demand it is struggling to cope with. As the government pursues its hallmark 'levelling up' policy, Mark and Abbie question what the slogan actually means as they deal with the effects of the £20 cut in universal credit on some of the town's most vulnerable, and prepare for the challenging winter ahead.
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#Covid #Coronavirus #Community #Austerity #UK #Blackpool

[@theGuardian]

You can donate to Amazing Graze (a registered charity) here ► www.paypal.com/paypalme/amazinggraze

[@sharonsmith1783]

Thanks for posting the PayPal link. I will be spending Christmas alone but sharing with these wonderful people.

[@SMX815]

Well done to these men & women who give Blackpool the basics & so much more!

[@UKbigchub]

Taking that £20 a week away is disgusting, I just wish this Tory government could live like this for a week and see how they survive.

[@JohnsysChannel]

@@UKbigchub Lets just hope the people remember the £20 cut next time they think of voting Tory.

[@TheMasterblaster32]

@@JohnsysChannel exactly

[@itsmelampoi]

This guy has done more for a community than the entire government has in decades

[@ZEK.0]

Unfortunately, I’m glad people like him do what he does, it’s amazing but it shouldn’t have to be like this. It’s disgusting

[@Toby_the_Glen]

@@ZEK.0 ..... and 'still' they vote Tory?

[@tommyhassan3545]

@@Toby_the_Glen maybe next time they wont lets hope so

[@TheChrislondoner]

We are the government…. Something we forget!

[@SMX815]

100%

[@brianrobinson7984]

"We've all got a past", How true is that? Being a Blackpool lad I know all about this town. Mark and his brothers were rum lads back in the day so when he says that he isn't kidding. This is a guy whose been down to the very bottom, turned it around and is now a beacon of hope for others. Good on ya mate..

[@ince55ant]

"every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past"

[@timdoyle4902]

As beautiful as it is to see it's also disgusting, we live in a society that sentences millions to poverty depression and misery while our PM has wallpaper costing £800 a roll, until this changes reports like this will be common

[@user-ci6pq6zq3u]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@essexginge9167]

And that £800 a roll WASN’T paid for by the tax payer so what’s your problem?

[@-M0LE]

Not one of us are doing anything to change this heavily corrupted system It will carry on forever

[@-M0LE]

@@essexginge9167 ok if you say so The House of Lords was renovated at a cost of a few hundred mills and tax payers paid for that

[@crappymeal]

@@essexginge9167 its extravagant and sick in the head

[@tehf00n]

I live in Blackpool and this makes me want to cry. The people in this town can be the best people you will ever meet at times and they are forgotten by the council. Mark and Abbie are saints.

[@nightowl7459]

Tehf00n: I lived there until a few years ago, the council was terrible then, I still get down to see family and I believe it's still terrible.

[@tehf00n]

@@nightowl7459 What makes it worse it is the poverty locks you into the town. No jobs to earn so you end up on universal credit or just making enough to barely eat. It's impossible to afford bonds and rent up front to move from grotty places to better places. Getting out of this town is so hard. Myself, I'm living in a 3 bedroom house thats falling apart, with 7 people in it. There isn't even enough room to breathe most of the time. Not to mention the town is absolutely full of peadophiles. Hate isn't a strong enough word for my dislike of this place.

[@ryanmurphy7976]

Didn't you lot vote Conservative?

[@nightowl7459]

@@ryanmurphy7976 Never in my life, why did you vote Liebour? Oh by the way there's only two of us at the moment, learn to count.

[@AlistairEwingforensic-services]

They are friendly there.

[@robogamer5384]

Fantastic and very emotional story,this guy should be nominated for an award, for what he is achieving.

[@pamills66]

Awards are only given to likes of Lewis Hamilton

[@lodersracing]

He doesn't need an award, his reward is doing it.

[@ahmedgure4211]

@@pamills66 sounds about white

[@train4905]

Agreed

[@weeblywinkleman6410]

Blackpool should be pushed into the sea

[@ianmitchell9102]

This guy running this pizzeria in Blackpool is absolutely amazing, he should be knighted by the queen, his single handedly restored my faith in the public. Keep up the great work, a real hero in my eyes ❤️❤️

[@northernthrifter8817]

That would be ironic wouldn't it...

[@mrsose1872]

Never mind 14,000 views this should be a programme on BBC 1 at 9.00pm Christmas Eve

[@sandrahatton4562]

Totally agree, make it viewing for Boris and his cronies

[@sammymadden5352]

Wow. The kindness of people sometimes blows me away. This guy is saving peoples lives. Well done to all involved

[@eckesyang]

massive respect for people like him

[@SarahDawesFilms]

Beautiful people especially the guy going round chatting to everyone and delivering food. Bless his heart 🙏❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🌈

[@manckid7795]

👏🏻

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

What a hero,so nice to know there’s a person like him in this country.

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

"i was done for arson"...."we hit it off like a house on fire" fucking brilliant hahah

[@blossoming8490]

This is the comment I was looking for😅😅😅. I laughed out loud🤣🤣🤣

[@Peacefully-Happy-86]

Haha 😂

[@DaveSimmo24]

It's people like Mark that should be elected to represent their community in parliament. He genuinely cares and understands a lot more than some posh Eton boy ever could. He speaks better as well!

[@jayjayvee4394]

He’s such a nice man . A lot of people who’ve come from hard times and had nothing truly want to help others .

[@zara96]

Massive respect to this guy for helping so many people, it inspires you to want to do the same!

[@carolynwestlake7670]

Easy enough to get involved with a project to help others- doesn’t matter where you live😊

[@Myhandle59]

It's people like him who should get a Knight hood. Not f1 drivers and musicians

[@larrystreak1044]

Exactly right

[@joannajones8533]

Exactly!!!

[@masale]

This is the type of community work that needs to be recognised and celebrated. The monarchy gives out MBE or OBEs to so many that don't deserve, this man and his band of volunteers deserve it. No matter how well you're doing in life, remember you came from a community. Give back to the community and specially those in need. The government is what it is, no point blaming them. People need to take initiative, this pandemic has accelerated the gap.

[@crappymeal]

and he came up from the bottom aswell

[@capzallison3922]

You don't want an mbe or obe from pedophiles do ya think about things

[@Dailyartpallette]

This man and his wife and the volunteers are a God sent to the down and forgotten people.

[@asdadassdassdassdsds]

God bless this man and the town. Shame on our government for failing people like this whilst running parties during lockdown

[@colinhughes916]

Totally Agree 👍 👏 💯

[@RebelsInc969]

Your Government dont care about you or any of us

[@ryanmurphy7976]

They voted this Government in!

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

German family heirs

[@freedom768]

This should be shown on TV. All this going on while the government parties...

[@johnhare6652]

8 out of the top 15 most deprived postcodes in the UK are in Blackpool Central area. Homelessness is an acute issue in the town and this just adds to the issues of deprivation. It really is a town in crisis, waiting for Johnson's so called levelling up is a pointless option as it will not even scratch the surface even if it ever arrives which I doubt.

[@tehf00n]

Waiting for a Tory government to do anything helpful with impoverished towns is like waiting for Godot.

[@richardmcdougall233]

The council has a lot to answer for in Blackpool, regeneration projects should have been started on the many derelict buildings improving the place Much more investment would follow. It goes back 30 years. This guy is doing great job.

[@Totajee79]

What an amazing man and his team.

[@SMX815]

He is outstanding & deserves a special mention as he is a saint 👍

[@Dublin10]

Now and then you come upon amazing people, this man has the heart of an angel.

[@---df5sr]

Just donated. What amazing work they’re doing.

[@ZEK.0]

I love Blackpool, it is actually a brilliant place. Sad to see it like this, this happens everywhere too. People like this are real Hero’s. It’s disgusting that people have to do this, should be the government’s responsibility

[@tommyhassan3545]

I love it too i go every year a load of us from cardiff i absolutely love the place

[@mitzy123]

Its a bit of a dump to be honest

[@smartin91]

He & his team are saving lives. Literally

[@mstoner7263]

Nobody that is British living in Britain needs saving mate.

[@leighstokes07]

@@mstoner7263 you need saving mate, probably the dumbest comment I've ever encountered

[@ravens-crypt]

I always will have more admiration for people like those who do this day in and day out no matter how small that person has helped in playing their part it counts more than any one can measure in the end of day .Those are the true sirs and dames of this country in my opinion

[@jacoba4246]

Amen.

[@gamegnome]

To do good vehemently against all odds, we need incorruptible people like Mark and Abbie.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

I'll partner up with uk charities

[@tommyhassan3545]

Welcome to Tory Britain where people can’t afford to eat or can’t afford to put the heating on .well done to these guys they are doing a great job big respect from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@partyringsparty]

Are more people living in relative poverty under the conservatives? Do you have any data on this?

[@tommyhassan3545]

@@partyringsparty dont have to see any data to know that people are worse off under the tories

[@danielbentham758]

Wales and Scotland have non Conservative governments so why are they worse for poverty? (baring in mind the barnett formula means Wales and Scotland get more back from Westminster than they contribute)

[@RPJustkeepmarching]

@@danielbentham758 they see your question but won’t answer it!

[@tommyhassan3545]

@@danielbentham758 who told you that your daddy was it tory boy

[@beverleyjones9000]

What amazing beautiful person this guy is - so emotional to watch xx

[@thewholecity]

Mark and Abbie you guys are solid gold. Love you loads. Thank you for being so amazing.

[@michaeljones4504]

This guy has done more for his community in this video alone, than the government have in years.

[@user-jy8gx5ky4v]

you labour party lol

[@monday1234ify]

Great Guy.Thank God for people like him & his team of hard-working volunteers.....

[@antifugazi]

Food banks are uplifting - Jacob Rees Mogg

[@paulnicolas172]

The voluntary support given to food banks is "rather uplifting" and "shows what a compassionate country we are",

[@HussainBukhari]

A man of the people. Show me a politician who’s done more.

[@flyingyams2686]

mark and abbie are honestly such amazing people, always see them helping others when im out an about an are a pleasure to talk too, its a shame that we the locals are having to do what the council won't. i was lucky to get myself off the streets, i cant say the same for others.... thank you mark an abbie on behalf of blackpool, you dont recieve enough credit for your work.

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” ― Buckminster Fuller

[@Gigantemanatee]

Nail on the head, problem is a lot of us I feel fear the change too much to make it work for the better.

[@joshuapilling853]

Absolutely brilliant. Heroic. Reminds me of the “Anywhere But Westminster” series. I’d love to see that back!

[@wesmatron]

All this whilst Boris and his cronies have swank parties at our expense.

[@mozdickson]

I wanted to learn why Universal Credit was cut, the government's rationale --- but The Guardian wants money from me to learn that.

[@steg5942]

Absolute heros ❤👍 massive respect to everyone involved

[@feelingoffbalance]

Very moving. You can see the spirit in the people.

[@amteo7107]

My heart goes out to these poor people. I left the uk 43 years ago and still as it was then and still it is now the richer seem to get richer and the poorer even worse off. I think with all the stories that have come out about Boris Johnsons spending habits and the way the conservative party has just made a mockery of so called leading the country in this pandemic,holding parties and spending like no tomorrow. They should visit places like this and listen to these people and donate more money instead of cutting their benefits.This government should be ashamed of themselves that society through no fault of their own have to day in day out scrounge for food and live in cold and poor conditions with not having enough to pay the fuel costs,rent and feed themselves.This shouldnt have to happen in this day and age.

[@andrewbullman5206]

£200,000 spent on one missile to shoot down a drone over Syria this week by the RAF. Add the fuel, staff, servicing of the aircraft, transporting the crew and mechanics there and back and what do we have to show for it? Nothing. One day of not doing unnecessary and illegal military action in the middle east would pay for all the poor in Blackpool to get out of poverty for a whole year I reckon. They even wasted a £100,000,000 jet by driving it into the sea through negligence and may have damaged the Hull of the £2,000,000,000 aircraft carrier from which it fell. How far would just the £100,000,000 go for these people?

[@chriswalford9228]

Yes and just up the road Barrow in Furness knocking out multi million pound subs we don't need

[@ladyrose800]

What a man, what a heart ♥

[@apriledmondson8195]

Blackpool has always been the same my dad grew up in Blackpool ok in the summer but no work in the winter that’s why his whole family moved away

[@sevenman9672]

Seems as if there's plenty of work to be done in Blackpool to me!

[@robinburn4974]

I'm surprised the Guardian knows where Blackpool is

[@sharonsmith1783]

I'm just glad they filmed it and that a way to help has been provided via a pay pal link.

[@frankn89]

Why?

[@cannibalbunnygirl]

Yeah they usually prefer to run us down. Odd

[@akmnuruzzaman3721]

Stay blessed guys..well done..love from Bangladesh

[@kennyyoung669]

Well done for turning ur life around, and a well done for helping them that need it, I have much respect for you, as I also have hit rock bottom, been homeless, I will be donating that's for sure

[@laurapandora6307]

Top couple, great group of people, I hope you get back all the goodness you are giving out :) xx

[@northernthrifter8817]

The reward for this sort of humanitarian work is priceless. Not even money that inherently has no genuine value can buy it

[@slydoll7877]

This is just heartbreaking. What an amazing charity they are. He's boundless in his energy it seems....I hope everyone of these people has better luck soon.

[@slydoll7877]

@Ken Yes but he got to this position because of his boundless energy. He said himself he used to be an addict. You have to work four - five - TEN times as hard as others to get out of the poverty trap.

[@DG-EditsYT]

@Ken Aren't you a beacon of positive emotions...more like bitter, jealous and wishing you could be this much appreciated

[@zooldoo]

There are some really good people in this world. What a great community resource.

[@davidmcarthur4749]

Stay strong stay together and be the community This hits hard .. I’m proud of you 👏 bravo

[@plumduff3303]

Proper journalism thank you

[@mad-b264]

This dudes a flipping legend, Not many peeps got souls like this, I lived in Blackpool back in 97 to 99, It was a nice place, I remember a park not far from Preston, 10 min walk from where i lived, No graffiti, No litter, Was packed all the time, Big ass football pitches, An people was so nice, Its horrible too see a place like Blackpool going to the sess pit, I remember working for Frank Carson on North pier, Even worked in the ballroom in the Tower, Serving the oldies on a sunday was a top earner for tips, Lol, But yeah everyone i met in Blackpool was a nice person, Even the Scottish was nice people.... Yeah i got nuffing but respect for this guy, A rare soul thats for sure....... I spent about 13 years as a herion addict, An 10 years on other drugs like valium an oxy's, Rock bottom, Violence, horrible life everyday, Selling little bags too fund a habit is not the way too live, Loosing my daughters mum, We split up but she carried on living that lifestyle an she ended up passing away in prison, Makes you think that little bit more, As well as the countless mates that are gone from overdoses, That life of addiction is not for me, So i stay a loner, Just me myself and irene, The CPTSD i suffer with stops me going out anyways but now ive been clean a fair few years now, Dont miss that nasty want for drugs Would rather concentrate on my head for my daughters sake, After everything im blessed with another chance of living life without drugs apart from cannabis oils but cannabis should be legalised simples, I personally think if high quality cannabis an rosin was legal then class A drug addiction would drop, Who would want smack when they can have high grade edibles, Lol, I bought a press myself too make CBD oils from CBD buds, Its cheaper, Helps with CPTSD, CBD helps a lot with anxiety..... I bet this dude got mad respect in Blackpool, I bet everyone got his back in an around Blackpool, I would chill an kick back with him, Its times in need you see the loyal from the dissloyal, An unfortunatly there is more dissloyal people from loyal people this day an age....... Big up too this dude......💯👊👊✌

[@Camatriix]

I must say this in incredible. I live in south London and my Mum works with the local foodbank. She's increased it's size by 4 times as the demand is so high. If you can help others however small it may be please do. Love to all x

[@julieball1167]

What an amazing man , helping his community, looks like he has the time to chat , to the vulnerable a kind word here and there , put this man up for an award or similar

[@SMX815]

This man will move heaven & earth to help the people less fortunate than ourselves! He deserve a medal for his kindness & fortitude 👏👍🇬🇧

[@melaniepoppin9577]

Love this side of humanity. You are amazing people!

[@lesleyosler6153]

What a lovely man !! We need more like him on the government !!

[@bigreddouchecanoe]

I'm not a believer in god, but it's because of things like this that I am damn sure a believer in people.

[@lambseekh3619]

But people are the reason this problem exists in the first place

[@flourbvoy1269]

@@lambseekh3619 Not these people. Definitely not these people.

[@nightangle476]

Can't believe this is West a developed country?!!! No one should have to face such problems especially food. I urge and we too follow as a family not to waste food. We try to help whenever we can as anyone can be at this place.

[@wormsnake1]

These people are angels on earth. Keep up the good work. You are exactly what it says on the tin…”AMAZING”!!❤️🙏🎼.x

[@MrMmnngghh]

When we went, we were the only two Aussies in the place on a wet windy Thursday night in early May....we were served by Danny, and Alfie played us INXS and Prince! When we arrived, the guys welcomed us in...I was wearing shorts....I asked if it was ok to come in wearing shorts.... Alfie said "that's alright, we like white legs in Blackpool" ( I am quite pale). Then Alfie clicked his fingers in Danny's direction and said "music, maestro!" That's when the INXS and Prince kicked in. This is a fantastic service, essential for so many peope in the local area...and the group that run it are just brilliant 💚💜

[@brendaashton4221]

Bless you all who help the people in Blackpool your doing a great job

[@Michael-vn1td]

Working class solidarity is a beautiful thing.

[@johncarney9049]

Well done to this man - the world needs more people like him in this age of the UK as it spirals even more into despair. Even sadder is that Blackpool not only voted for brexit with 67.2% in favour but they also voted over 50% majority for a tory government, both of which has largely contributed to situations like this. I just can't wrap my head round why people keep voting Tory and for the misery that they bring in their wake. I have never voted Tory and nor will I ever. If you support Tory then maybe you need to take a good long look in the mirror and question your own morality. I am not saying that by not supporting them I am in any way better than you, but you don't need to look very hard to see the destruction and misery they bring on the voters that support them.

[@KILLGAMERSCOOT4LIFE]

I just think it’s a problem with all the political parties though but especially the tories. The big push for green this and green that rather eliminating poverty first is pretty sickening

[@Certago]

@@KILLGAMERSCOOT4LIFE Green this and green that is our future, if we want to have one... What you might want to be upset about is the blatant corruption of the British government. Labour are arrogant in their leadership, sure, but they don't have tory cruelty in their bones.

[@cannibalbunnygirl]

One year, tory got into blackpool south amid allegations of vote rigging. The North voted tory because it encompasses Cleveleys which is full of tory voting pensioners. Its not at all like how you're making it sound

[@johncarney9049]

@@cannibalbunnygirl Whats your point? The reaiity is stil the same regardless. My figures are accurate as of the the last elections (parliamentary ones) and they did vote by over 50% for Tory, so my point stll stands. It is what it is.

[@chaddy1969]

Top bloke doing a great job.

[@leecountffl9826]

What amazing blokes all I know is that if this was being filmed in let's set Luton or Camden, you'd have every celebrity and Footballer launching campaigns.

[@Greeneyes-wt8sw]

Mark is male version of mother terresa heart of gold great guy

[@mgmassey174]

Help each other. It's a choice to care

[@simmysommy]

Pride of Britain right there.

[@sylviawilliamson8913]

Good on you all and God Bless You All xx

[@caroleflew8625]

What an amazingly charitable community, pride don't get you anymore help but you should be filled with it for trying your best to help the others you do. If the world was as kind as you it would be a much better place x

[@donnablackman3954]

Thanks for upload ❤️

[@stuart-st1gu]

These guys are amazing. No one in this day and age should be living like this at all. The mans a hero.

[@XrpCookies]

What a wonderful couple. Spent many happy times in Blackpool. Thank you for what you do. From Auckland NZ.

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

Mark and Abbie you are both incredible, thank you so much.

[@donnaelizabethcampbell5559]

Thankyou for exposing the grim reality of Blackpool.Godbless everyone at Amazing Grace.✝️🙏🙏

[@happyharry8721]

What do you expect from a labour run council all they ever do is waste money.

[@user-jy8gx5ky4v]

174,000quid on three tress labour lol

[@twwoody813]

I’m actually speechless! This government makes me sick to my stomach.

[@RPJustkeepmarching]

‘I got done for arson…now me and him get on like a house on fire’…brilliant ! Excellent work, keep it up

[@gillmay9309]

Have sent a little. Brought me to tears, wtg guys x

[@vikinginspace4881]

That man is a bright beacon of light in the darkness.

[@BelfastBoy]

Community complains about the level of poverty in the area, community votes in a Tory MP and for Brexit, you reap what you sow

[@NosyFella]

Blackpool was this way long before brexit

[@partyringsparty]

Are more people living in relative poverty under conservatives? Do you have any data on this?

[@BelfastBoy]

@@partyringsparty Look at any reports from ONS which indicate the significant rises in poverty, the rise in food banks, etc. What's the point you're trying to make? Do you think the Tories care about people like you?

[@ashyclaret]

@@BelfastBoy Labour doesn't either, in fact they'd both rather import as many people into the country than help the natives.

[@BelfastBoy]

@@ashyclaret Ah, I was wondering when we would get to the usual "But, but Labour..." argument. Labour haven't been in power for over 10 years dear, so tell me again how they're responsible for the current situation we're in?

[@lilgeorge34]

What a lovely man this is...caring so much for the people that are down on their luck. If I lived in Blackpool I would help you..Thank you for helping all these people.❤❤

[@mabsrahman8135]

Watching things like this makes me appreciate what I have in life and be content

[@winstonsmith3690]

While boris and his accomplices are laughing and quaffing fizz that we all pay for.

[@user-jy8gx5ky4v]

and labour are buying 3 tress for neally 200,000 quid , get a grip you layabout

[@andrewsudders5179]

Universal credit is so inadequate to live on.

[@Owen-hd3oq]

How can the UK claim to be a bastion for human rights when situations like this exist. When poverty is ignored and allowed to grow by the state like this it should be treated as criminal.

[@peachmelba1637]

Yeah our government love preaching to other countries about where they're going wrong, should look closer to home

[@ryanahmed5615]

Amazing. We are all choosing to help each other every day.

[@ince55ant]

these people are the greatest crime prevention measure you can implement

[@andywhite521]

These are the people that deserve knighthoods!!! Not some overpaid, privileged, overated prat!

[@ZEK.0]

Exactly

[@chriswalford9228]

Like Lewis Hamilton

[@LukeWeb1992]

What a guy, big respect ❤

[@thelandofmint]

Shame on the corrupt politicians, shame on the corrupt rich, shame on this unjust unfair system. It breaks my heart to see people in my country, Great Britain, suffer in poverty while We are a very rich country. Shame.

[@bigtone1348]

Total respect to you.

[@neilorr9685]

Mark And Abbie you and your team of Volunteers have my upmost Respect for the work you do for your Community I wish you nothing but the very best

[@kathwelch3267]

Your doing a fantastic job well done x

[@fightingtalkuk]

What a nice community and that guy is so kind