Liverpool rallies behind Hollyoaks star's idea to help…

Liverpool rallies behind Hollyoaks star's idea to help those struggling this Christmas

Liverpool has rallied behind a Hollyoaks star on his mission to help those struggling this Christmas.

Rory-Douglas Speed, best known for his role as J oel Dexter on the E4 programme, shared an idea he had on his social media which would help “heat the homes of people in poorer areas” around the city.

The 30-year-old actor, who lives in Aigburth, wanted to start a GoFundMe in which people would donate whatever they can afford. The money raised would be put on “people's leccy keys” with Rory spending his Christmas Eve outside a shop offering to pay bills for those struggling.

He initially said: “I think this is a good idea because it’s just like offering to buy somebody’s shopping, and no-nonsense corporations just the genuine goodwill of everyone as a community. Nine out of 10 people in these areas are on keys and not monthly payments so it’s relatively foolproof.

“Let’s make a step together. The whole premise of this is to take back a little bit of control on an outrageous situation and stop waiting for someone else to step in like I say if it works fantastic. If it doesn’t, it’s merely an idea.”

What the dad-of-two didn’t expect was for people up and down the country to donate to the GoFundMe which now stands at over £6,500.

Rory told the ECHO : “The idea has caught fire and more and more people are donating. I am actually quite worried about the scale of it now. I am really happy with how it has gone and I think it will actually work and that's the main thing. Everyone is helping everyone here and if it goes bad, I’ll take the fall for it. I’m just the platform but it’s all to do with those guys donating.

“I’m hoping it will bring back some of that Christmas spirit to parts of the community who are deeply lacking it. Everything is so divide and conquer at the moment, and no one knows what’s going on, what's happening or what’s coming next. People are messaging saying they can’t afford to donate themselves but are doing it anyway because they know someone is worse off them there and that’s what it's all about. I’m nearly in tears the whole time but it’s amazing to know people are willing to help regardless.”

After speaking with Wavertree’s Frontline Church, the organisation provided Rory with a list of families who use their services all year round and would benefit from his GoFundMe. As Frontline Church is offering the likes of food vouchers and toys this festive period, families who need it will be getting a care package so to speak.

As Rory didn’t expect the idea to take off as much as it did, he is currently in the process of working out where is best for him to go help as many people as quickly and as effectively as possible. Alongside this, he is currently organising help from others and considering carrying out the work over a two-day period instead.

For those who want to find out more about Rory’s good deed or would benefit from his help, it is best to keep up to date with his Instagram as he will be posting more information as it is confirmed.