A JOHNSTONE man with a van is offering his services free of charge to local charities and organisations in need of support.

Hayden Grant, 24, is the founder of house-moving company HJG Removals and is volunteering himself and his van to deliver equipment, food supplies and other goods.

The Johnstone-based business is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus outbreak but Hayden hopes he can use his new-found free time to help key workers on the frontline.

“I would like to volunteer myself and my van to any local charities, care homes or NHS services in the Renfrewshire area,” said the former Linwood High pupil.

“The foodbanks have been really busy and I know a lot of people are struggling, so I would like to give back to the local community.

“I’ve got a van sitting there waiting to be used and I want to help in any way I can, such as transporting anything that is needing moved from one place to another or even just providing some extra manpower.”

Hayden established HJG Removals last year, after serving six years in the Army, and has been highly praised by Renfrewshire customers who have used the service.

Personal protective equipment, such as face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers, are already owned and used by Hayden and his workers.

Hayden added: “I’ve made a Facebook appeal but wasn’t able to reach many charities, so I just want to get the word out that I’m free to help any organisations that are struggling for volunteers.”

To get in contact with Hayden, call 0747 702 6162 or visit www.hjgremoval.co.uk.

Meanwhile, bosses at a Renfrewshire hospice have praised local companies for “going above and beyond” to make sure it has been able to continue caring for patients and families during the coronavirus crisis.

Elaine Grealey, volunteer manager at St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood, said a number of businesses have rallied round to offer help.

She told The Gazette: “During the past few weeks, we had some difficulties sourcing some supplies for the hospice.

“Fortunately, we very quickly discovered just how generous a number of local businesses are, as they very kindly helped us source supplies, supported our services and made donations to our hospice.

“We would like to say a very sincere thank-you to Roots of Linwood, GH Davidson Butchers, Harry’s Fruit and Veg, Co-op Bridge of Weir, NG Quality Meats, Reid’s Food Services and Starbucks Johnstone.

“We would also like to thank Kilbarchan Dental Practice for their donation of several boxes of Personal Protective Equipment and Bonnymans for their hand sanitiser to help keep everyone safe.

“The entire country is going through an extremely uncertain and difficult time but these gestures of support mean so much to all of our patients, their families and our team at the hospice.”

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