Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has announced that his two Manchester hotels will be made available free of charge to NHS workers.
With the coronavirus continuing to spread, a series of drastic measures have already been taken. Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday that they had made the club’s Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available for NHS staff to stay at free of charge, as they looked to provide support.
Sky Sports pundit Neville has now announced similar plans, explaining that the two hotels he part-owns with former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs in Manchester will be open to health workers free of charge – starting Friday.
Neville said in a video posted on social media: “Over the last week we have been in consultation with the health services in the Greater Manchester area, in particular the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
“Our 176 beds will be occupied by National Health Service workers and medical professionals from Friday onwards. It’s at this time that I think the whole of our industry needs to show solidarity, not just for our staff in these uncertain times but obviously for those who need the accommodation most in the coming months.
“It’s something we’re delighted to have come into agreement with. It will operate free of charge and our staff will operate the hotels as normal. The health workers will be able to stay there without any cost whatsoever in these next few months when they need isolation away from family members who may be affected by what’s going on.
“Stay safe and we wish everybody all the best.”
During this time of great difficulty, it is a thoughtful gesture from Neville and his partners. The Stock Exchange Hotel is located in the city centre, while Hotel Football is at Old Trafford, and the 176 available beds will aid NHS and other medical staff as they continue to work tirelessly during this pandemic.