Duke Durham (Duke Al), a local resident and poet/rapper, has released a song and music video about the current coronavirus pandemic to raise awareness whilst also raising money for the NHS.

The song is titled Heroes and discusses the pivotal role that the NHS has played in the battle against the virus.

Duke Durham, 26, is from Dinas Powys, where he has always lived with his mum, sister and brother.

''I had the idea for the song late March. So I started creating the track, then left it for a few weeks as I was not sure it was turning out how I wanted.

''Finally, I got back to it and completed it after many amendments.

''I was very happy with the track and always wanted to raise some money for the NHS.

''My aim is to raise £500 and any more is a massive bonus! I am currently on £428 and counting.''

Normally, Duke works for the council as a grounds maintenance worker but he also works part-time as a firefighter.

Penarth Nub News talked to Duke about the piece and what he was hoping to achieve by releasing the track.

He said: ''I wanted to create a song for the NHS, a song that would represent who they are as heroes. Any person who helps save lives, is non-judgemental and shows unconditional care to strangers, whether it is their job or not, should be recognised as a hero.

''They are what humanity should strive to be like, looking after everybody and treating all as equal. I wanted to relate to how the public was feeling about them as well, with the current situation, how understaffed and underpaid they are and yet they continue to persevere.

''I have mentioned these points in my music and poems, prior to the Coronavirus outbreak.

''I just wanted a song dedicated to the NHS, portraying how awesome they are.''

Duke discussed his personal relationship with the NHS and the journey he has been through with the health care system.

He said: ''I have OCD and Type one Diabetes, without the NHS I would not be here. Sounds dramatic but it's true.

''They have guided me with better ways to cope with OCD (which is heavily stigmatised) and have also helped me learn how to control my type one diabetes, providing me with insulin that I need to inject around 5 times a day, which evidently keeps me alive.

''I wanted to thank them for all they do.''

Mr Durham would like politicians to understand the importance of healthcare workers and act in accordance with this understanding.

He explained: ''I wanted to challenge the politicians, and the current government, as they have been neglecting the NHS and their funding for years.

''I don't understand why health is not on the priority list and why other things are put before it.

''Nurses and Doctors save lives, they should be paid more.

''The NHS should be given the staff they need and maybe if they were a priority we would have been better prepared for this.

''I wanted to show my support and love for the NHS Heroes. The NHS is priceless.''

To donate to the NHS Charities Appeal you can click [L]https://www.facebook.com/dukealdurham/videos/232403201192314/[L+]here.