The island doctor who is trying to raise £1m for the families of NHS staff who have died after treating others for the virus is stepping up his fundraising campaign.

Dr Martin Rankin, who works for the Manx Emergency Doctor Service, has already raised more than £2,000.

But in a bid to boost funding, he has announced that he will be walking the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath - in his dressing gown!

’I am delighted that the campaign has got off to a strong start - just over £2,000 so far - but divided between 100 families that is just about enough for a bunch of flowers each so I need to raise my game.

’My typical working day starts at MEDS at 6pm and finishes at 8am, 14 hours later.

’I then go home and sleep ready for another overnighter.

’I won’t be able to sleep if I let the families down so I have decided on a "Sleep Walk".’

From today (Tuesday), he will walk a section of the Raad ny Foillan each day.

In the UK, it was announced the families of NHS England and Wales frontline staff who have died from Covid-19 would receive a £60,000 payment.

’Clearly that’s inadequate, especially when you’re talking about replacing who may be the main bread winner in the family,’ he said.

Dr Rankin (pictured left) hit the headlines last month after warning against relaxing the Covid-19 lockdown early.

To support Dr Rankin go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/families-of-health-careworkers-died-from-covid19Â