FRONTLINE staff are more vital to Barrow now than ever before and have been working around the clock to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Barrow Raiders have now decided to give their thanks to these key workers.

Following a huge amount of successful feedback on the side’s Facebook page, the Raiders have released special edition training shirts in support of NHS and frontline workers.

The shirts were originally advertised on social media with the intention of gauging interest from fans. The post blew up, with over 300 comments, and the shirts have now been made available to the public.

Fans instantly showed their support for the shirt, with many hailing it as a ‘fantastic idea’.

And it wasn’t just local supporters, as there was even interest from abroad, as fans from Fuertaventura and even Australia showed interest in ordering one.

Raiders coach Paul Crarey believes it is a great initiative by the club.

“It’s a brilliant idea by director Jack Fawcett to support the NHS,” he said.

“Part of the money goes to the NHS and part of the money goes to the community programme which will hopefully get the community up and running when the pandemic is all over. It’s been well received with over 250 shirts already sold and it’s all being put back into the community and the NHS which is a fantastic idea because we all know somebody that works on the frontline and does a good job.”

The classic Barrow blue is incorporated into the colour, with the message ‘NHS Heroes’ emblazoned on the front. In addition to this, the Raiders’ kit manufacturer Kitworld Ltd donated 10 shirts to allow the club to run a competition in which fans were asked to tag a frontline worker and show their thanks. The five successful fans and the NHS workers they thanked were given shirts.

Following the huge success of the first batch, a second pink version of the original shirt has now been released leaving fans with the option of either.

The Raiders have also offered free entry to the first home game back for frontline workers, with the intention of them doing a mass lap of honour around the pitch. The club has suggested that fans wear their NHS heroes shirts as a mark of respect.

The shirts are available for all shapes and sizes, with children’s sizes from ages one upwards also available. They retail at £23 for the adult sizes and £20 for children’s sizes, with a £5 delivery charge. Orders are being taken up to 9pm on Sunday evening, and can be placed through the Barrow Raiders website.