Teenager near Shipston whose father is fighting Covid-19 in hospital is raising money for the NHS to thank them for their efforts

"This won’t beat you and we can’t wait to have you home," said 14-year-old Barney
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A teenager whose father is fighting Covid-19 at Warwick Hospital is raising money for the NHS to thank them for their efforts.

John Harkin was rushed to the intensive care unit on Saturday night with his life in the balance - but the family say he has since moved to the special Covid-19 ward where he is recovering.

His son, Barney, came up with the idea of raising money for the hospital and residents in his village, Newbold-on-Stour, have come together to donate wood, nails and tools so he can make bird boxes.

Barney Harkin with one of the birdboxesBarney Harkin with one of the birdboxes
Barney Harkin with one of the birdboxes

The 14-year-old said: "I have Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) which makes self isolation particularly difficult for me, and it has added huge stress on to an already extremely worrying time for us all.

"I love woodwork and the village that I live in have all come together to donate wood, nails and tools to me so I can keep occupied in the back garden during this time.

"I am making bird boxes with the materials and any donations I recieve will be donated to the intensive care unit at Warwick Hospital who are working so hard to make my dad better."

In a message to his dad, he added: "This won’t beat you and we can’t wait to have you home."