I’ve stockpiled 102 lateral flow tests – I’m not going to pay for them, I don’t care if people say I’m selfish
A COVID test hoarder was dubbed ‘shameless’ last week after she showed off her stockpiled lateral flow kits before a £5 fee for swabs is introduced on April 1.
The Government website temporarily ran out of tests altogether as Brits rushed to stock up, with packs unavailable online and via the 119 phone line.
People across the nation face spending between £20 and £25 on a box of seven within six weeks after free testing - which costs the taxpayer £2billion a month - is halted under the 'Living with Covid' plan.
Nicky Hickinbotham, 51, admitted she has unashamedly stockpiled the tests.
Carer Nicky has a tower of free lateral flow tests and refuses to be labelled shameless or selfish.
It was like a punch in the gut when I read the government was charging for lateral flow tests - I rely on them and it’s why I’m proud, not ashamed, I had the foresight to stockpile more than 10 boxes.
Read more on covid
Nicky, who is a mum to two children, lives with her husband, ex-builder Stacey 50, Hereford.
Dub me ‘selfish’ or ‘shameless’ all you like but as a carer they’ve become part of my daily life - and I’m not actually sure I can afford them if they’re not free.
When we visit friends who are elderly or have someone who lives with a health condition I always test to ensure they feel safe and I have done it since the free tests were available.
My income is limited and I refuse to be made to feel bad because I’ve enabled my family to have a tower of tests.
Most read in Real Life
My daughter has to do them as she works in a people-facing job as a sales assistant.
And it’s not just me - loads of people I know secretly have a huge pile of them.
Covid can impact anyone - even the Queen has been hit and I’m terrified it won’t go away and I’ll be left unable to afford tests.
The cost of living is rising dramatically and we watch every penny.
There isn't room in our family budget to spend money on expensive lateral flow tests.
Read More on The Sun
That’s why I am not afraid to say I have a supply of tests and why.
I worry about elderly friends and family who can’t afford them. I am glad I can offer a few to them.