Lockdown Llama
1436. Matt Yorke
Matt Yorke, from Pembrokeshire, and his llama Max have been passing along the remote lanes of Llandissilio throughout the pandemic to deliver provisions and essential items to locals, many of whom have been shielding.
Matt runs ‘Pembrokeshire Llamas’, looking after a llama sanctuary and regularly hosting activities, such as walks, for people to enjoy experiences with the animals and help improve their wellbeing.
In a personal letter to Matt, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I want to thank you for all you have done throughout this pandemic to deliver essential supplies to the communities of Llandissilio.
“I was so uplifted to hear of the ingenious way you have harnessed your llama, Max, to assist you in this mission! Together, you have lifted the spirits of those you have served and brought a moment of levity to all who have seen your story across the world.”
Matt said:
“I continue to be amazed at the interest the world has in the llama deliveries that we provided during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period. We were just trying to help out our friends who also happened to be our neighbours, but the story somehow caught the public imagination and ended up being reported all over the world. It has been brilliant hearing from people all across the globe who have since heard about our llamas.
“Whilst the deliveries started out as just us trying to be helpful whilst keeping our neighbours safe, the situation ended up as something much more unexpected yet equally important – it provided joy and humour at a time of great darkness and suffering across the world. Seeing people’s faces light up at the sight of a llama in front of them – be they neighbours, television presenters, journalists, cameramen, the public at large, or a Prime Minister – it’s clear that llamas have the potential to bring great joy to all those who come across them. We had no idea whatsoever at the time how much that message would resonate across the world, but we are glad that we had the opportunity to contribute in our own small way.”