AN ENGINEER that works offshore has decided to set up a fundraiser to raise cash that will got towards paying for a celebration event for NHS frontline workers.

Darren Wilson, of Carlisle, was working offshore before the coronavirus pandemic got serious.

When he saw the situation unfold on the news he came up with the idea to raise funds for the NHS that will contribute towards a celebration evening.

Mr Wilson explained: "I was offshore. I went offshore before everything started to get serious and I was just sitting thinking about what I could do for people who are working on the frontline.

"I know there are a lot of other people than NHS staff who are still working, but these guys are going into the hospitals and they know they are going to face this virus head on.

"They do that everyday.

"I just wanted to give something back.

"I looked at volunteering and by the time I could volunteer there was so many volunteers that there wasn't really anything for me to do.

"So I was sitting offshore watching the news and thinking what I could do so decided to set something up so I could organise something for people to look forward to after this."

Mr Wilson noted that everyone is focused on the here and now and not thinking about the future.

"I know it's absolutely terrible what we are going through, but I thought if these guys realise how much they are appreciated and had something to look forward to afterwards," added Mr Wilson.

"That's why I thought I would go for it.

"We're going to organise a ball. A celebration ball.

"We would invite all NHS staff to a big ball and thank them for what they do and for their effort to get through this."

The fundraiser would be for those who work at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary.

Wanting to do something different, this is where the idea for the ball came from.

Mr Wilson continued: "I was sitting thinking about what I could do and thought, we need to look past it, we need to look to the future.

"These guys are going into the hospitals everyday and if they know they are appreciated and they know they have something to look forward to it might help. It's a celebration of what they've done and what they've achieved."

The target for the fundraiser has been set at £10,000 and so far Mr Wilson has noted a positive response.

He sad: "I've had a lot of feedback from people messaging me saying what a great idea it is.

"I've had people from the hospital appreciating it too. It has been a positive response.It just needs to get out there now."

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/carlisle-infirmary-nhs-staff-celebration?