A FUNDRAISING appeal has been started to help a business owner who is giving free rooms to healthcare workers during the coronavirus health crisis.

Gary Hardie is currently working to increase the room capacity of the Rams Head Hotel by eight in order to fit more essential workers.

The Rawlinson Street business has already welcomed several doctors who have been brought in from other countries across the world to aid in the fight against COVID-19 all free of charge.

Despite not being entirely pleased to hear the news about a fundraiser being made in his honour, Gary was very happy to see the community spirit shine though this dark time.

“I just wanted to do this off my own back really, I am just cracking on,” he said.

“I am looking to get materials such as wood and plasterboard to be able to get these rooms built.

“It was a nice pick me up to hear about the fundraiser, but it is the materials I need more so than money really.

“I have plumbers, builders, and electricians offering me their time which is brilliant.

“One thing we really need at the moment is a skip though, so if anyone is willing to donate one that would be really appreciated.

“I am thinking about turning this into a homeless shelter after all this is over as well.”

The fundraiser was created by Jamie Herdman, who wanted to help Gary after learning he was using his overdrafts to make up the shortfall on the project.

“Gary is doing this for the good of the community, but he is using his own cash to do it,” Jamie said.

“I just wanted to help him out

"We had some amazing donations yesterday of £250.00 and £175.00.”

Donations can be made to the GoFundMe page here.