A leading Bristol homelessness campaigner has issued an urgent warning to people in the city to take Covid-19 coronavirus seriously - from his hospital bed as he fights the virus.
Jasper Thompson has shared a picture of himself in the Bristol Royal Infirmary to warn others 'who still don't believe', because he said he wanted to get across 'how dangerous it really is'.
The prominent campaigner set up Help Bristol's Homeless project in Bedminster four years ago, which converts shipping containers into temporary accommodation for rough sleepers.
His plight in hospital was shared and backed by Bristol music legends Massive Attack, as well as ITV presenter and weatherman Alex Beresford.
Jasper was admitted to hospital last week suffering from covid-19, and is being given oxygen treatment. He told Bristol Live he had been overwhelmed by the support he'd received from people in Bristol since Massive Attack shared his plea on Twitter.
He said: "It's been rough and because of my ethnicity it's ramped the thing up a bit. I don't mind you sharing this, because some people still don't believe in this virus and how dangerous it really is.
"So if people know I contracted it, it might show how real this thing is," he added. Massive Attack shared Jasper's photograph with a message of support. "We wish Jasper the fastest and fullest recovery possible, and sincerely hope his words are taken seriously by all," the band said.
Massive Attack have long been supporters of Jasper's homelessness project - Rob del Naja donated artwork to a charity auction to raise funds for the project, and even paid for one to be converted himself. The project moved recently to new premises in Spring Street, Bedminster from its original home off Malago Road.
TV presenter Alex Beresford added his voice to those of support for Jasper. "A great guy who served for his country in the forces and continues to serve the city of Bristol helping the homeless," he said.
"Lucky enough to have known him most of my life so it’s heartbreaking to see my dad's generation getting hit like this. No one is untouchable," he added.
