A GOOD Samaritan is hoping to crowdfund a few nights in a B&B over Christmas for a homeless man she has befriended.

Kathryn Blakeley, from St Peter's, Worcester, said she wanted her friend, known only as Si, to have warmth and shelter for around four nights over Christmas.

The 44-year-old has been overwhelmed after raising nearly £300 in 24 hours but is having difficulty finding somewhere to accept Si.

Mrs Blakeley did not expect the stay to fix all his problems but afterwards hoped it would help him engage with homeless charities.

"I have lived in Worcester for eight years but I can't remember when I began chatting to this gentleman.

"Every time I see him I would ask if he was going to St Paul's or Magg's and he would say no.

"He's looking worse and worse and I've literally stuck £30 under his nose for a B&B but he said no.

"However, I asked if he would let me put something on social media to do something special for him this Christmas and he's agreed as long as it doesn't cost me anything.

"I was talking to him once and I was dressed down in a parka and sat on the floor and it was then I realised how people look at you and treat you when you're on the streets."

The mum-of-three sofa-surfed and lived in her car when she was 18.

She has offered to take and pick him up from the accommodation and is hoping to hear from any B&Bs or hotels who may be able to help.

"I'm not asking for a free room, we are just saying this guy needs a couple of days in the warm to get him rested, clean and fed.

"It's not going to last forever but if he thinks all these people did this for me then he might go and access those homeless charities."

Mrs Blakeley said she had invited him to his home before but he turned down the offer and she has taken him for coffees where the pair have sat and chatted for hours.

She is hoping to be able to find rooms for another man she speaks to who is ex-forces and any excess money will be given to a homeless charity in Worcester.

Previously, she crowdfunded a new bike for an autistic man who appealed for his stolen bike's return in the Worcester News.

Already the fund stands at £560 and anyone who wishes to donate can do so at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/kathryn-blakeley-1. Any businesses which believe they canoffer a room can get in touch via the crowdfunding page.