Martin Lewis has donated £50k of his own money after a "depressing" segment on This Morning.
The MoneySavingExpert creator took calls from viewers with hosts Alison Hammond and Phillip Schofield on the ITV show, addressing people's concerns over the current Cost of Living crisis and energy-price increase next month.
However, despite trying to give the best advice to those worried about the impending gas and electricity cost hike and introduction of the energy price cap, Martin was left despondent following the call-in.
Following the show, the 49-year-old tweeted that about how "bloody depressing" it is that he is quickly running "out of tools" to help those struggling before the prices are raised, Manchester Evening News reports.
"Bloody depressing @thismorning phone-in again. So many people at crisis point regarding energy bills - including those with v high usage due to disabilities (home ventilators, oxygen concentrators, elec wheelchairs etc)."
He desperately added: "I am nearly OUT OF TOOLS to help. Govt must intervene," before retweeting a follower who told him: "You've done so much good, Martin. Try and hold on to that! And don't be afraid to take some time out if you need to."
Martin also received a message from Money Buddies, a Leeds-based service that offers advice, who told him: "We are in the same boat Martin.
"We saw twice as many people than we expected to see in February, same again in March, and we have a huge waiting list of people desperate to see us who are vulnerable. We are at breaking point... the state must intervene now…"
In reply, the money-saving guru then made them an offer. "If I were to donate £50,000 today would you be able to get things in place to relieve pressure at speed?" he asked.
When told that it would help enormously, Martin replied: "Done. Money is ready to go." But he did manage to joke: "I'm normally against impulse spending - but I'll let myself off this one ;)."
And Martin's followers were soon rushing to praise him for his 'incredible' offer.
@WarriorTFC37 tweeted: "This has made me cry. So nice to read good things when we're not having much good news!"
"Wow what an amazing gesture. I hope the money helps lots of people but the government must act. It shouldn’t be left to individuals to step in," @traceynicola said.
@acameron78 shared: "Wow Martin. That's incredible."
"Martin you continue to astound me. You've made a great success of your career and still spend all your time helping others. What a gesture," @MarkAda99 commented.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
