The Yate dinosaur, as it has been affectionately named, has been raising community spirits as the public go about their essential errands.

Yate mum, Stacey Powell, is the Yate Dinosaur. She was spotted donating blood alongside other members of the community after several members of the public have posted videos of her going about her errands. A video of the Yate dinosaur shopping in Yate’s Tesco extra has had over a quarter of a million views of Facebook.

Stacey is no stranger to going above and beyond for others, last year she shaved her head in aid of Macmillan cancer and is now using the dinosaur costume as a way to spread positivity around the area.

She said:

“I am the sole carer at the moment for my parents who are in the vulnerable category and for my sisters family who are all self-isolating. The dinosaur costume does protect me a bit as I have to go and shop for three households and obviously collect any other essential items they need. But people are recognising me now and so I give them a wave. Hopefully during this awful time I can make a few people smile.”

Following the yate Dinosaur’s visit to the blood donor station, Tuesday, NHS Phlebotomist, Sarah said:

“It was a sheer delight to see her today, she has put a smile on a lot of faces. We are always thankful for anyone donating blood and this is the first time we have had a dinosaur in, but we are so pleased she came.”