A CARE package containing protective equipment was sent all the way from China to a Kendal hotel .

The Riverside hotel received the package from a former employee who now lives in Shenzhen, Giangzhou Province.

Loong Hu (known as Emma Hu to the hotel) worked at the Riverside five years ago as a marketing assistant.

She had been keeping up to date with the coronavirus situation in the UK and was alarmed that it is currently not recommended to wear a face mask.

Emma was also aware that her former employers were offering their services to key workers who can no longer live in their family homes.

Jonathan Denby, owner and managing director of South Lakes Hotels said: “She had heard that we were open to key workers and also for vulnerable homeless people.

“In China everyone wears a mask so she thought that we ought to.”

In the parcel Emma had packed face masks, anti bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer for the hotel to use.

Despite being on furlough herself she has refused to take any money from the hotel for the goods.

“We are particularly touched by the fact that she has absolutely refused to accept payment for the things she sent us," said Mr Denby.

“I thought it was rather sweet of her.

“She sent me a very long list of do’s and don’ts to escape the virus that they had been taught in China.”

Mr Denby foresees the equipment lasting the hotel for at least two months.

“We only have a skeleton staff on at the moment so it should last us a couple of months," he said.

“Hopefully until they lift the lockdown restrictions.”

The hotel had not tried to source its own protective equipment as government guidelines do not currently recommend the habitual use of face masks in public.

"The concern came from Emma," said Mr Denby.

“I thought it was extremely thoughtful of her.

“We had had the occasional message from her letting us know how she was getting on.

“But it wasn’t until after the coronavirus began we received quite a few messages from her.

“She gave us the advice the Chinese government had given their employees and hoped we would benefit from that.”

Mr Denby explained how amazed the staff were by Emma’s concern for them all.

“We were touched that she still had concern for the people she worked with.

“We have great affection for Emma.”