Christian Burgess had already taken many plaudits long before the coronavirus pandemic for his work in the community.

So it should be no surprise he is doing more than his fair share during these troubled times to make sure the most needy people around the Portsmouth area are getting the help he needs.

Not only that, you know he is genuine when he talks of how much he is enjoying getting stuck in with other community volunteers.

Burgess has been helping the Hayling Helpers deliver goods to those who can't get out and said: 'You’re meeting people who, if we’re honest, are scared and anxious to leave their house because at the end of the day lives are on the line here. It’s terrible, having a devastating impact.

'You go from that to talking about the season not being finished or contract situations being uncertain. It’s just farcical, you know? It’s just complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

'It brings it home how lucky we are as footballers, but also how serious it is in the real world at the moment. That’s why I’m obviously so keen to try and put any of the time that I now have free to good use.”

Burgess was made aware of the volunteering being done out of the Heart of Hayling Boxing Academy and quickly put his hand up to help.

'It’s probably a few days a week,' he said. 'I did look at Portsmouth to try and see what was there and it’s all started now, really, so a couple of the boys are helping out as well as myself to deliver food from Pompey in the Community’s hub across Portsmouth.

'I pop over to Hayling two or three times a week to do the same with the prescriptions. It’s just sort of mixing my time. We’re not at work, so there’s plenty of free time. I.m just trying to keep fit on the side, go for runs and cycles and stuff, and other than that, I’ve got a lot of free time on my hands.'

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