My LDV 400 needs help!?

Good afternoon all, and Happy Easter The fuel gauge on my van misled me (again - mustn't be so stingy next time I refuel), and it seems, having parked up at home - literally 1/4 mile away from the nearest petrol station - that I've not got enough diesel in the tank for the engine to start. It's a 98 Convoy D (LWB).

I'm an idiot, I know - especially since I've done this to the poor old girl before, after getting home in the early hours of the morning and feeling too knackered to drop by a petrol station to refuel - but, please, if anyone knows how I can get going again, I'd be extremely grateful to hear your advice.

I remember hearing that simply pouring a chunk of fuel into the tank won't get the job done, because I've effectively caused the fuel system to lock up; I could call the AA, I guess, and certainly my local mechanic would be able to help - but can I DIY this effectively on my own?

Also, to add to the problem, it seems really tough to open the bonnet with the driver's cab lever - it seems to need two people to get the job done. Any tips please on how to improve this / recondition the opening mech. for the future?

I'm a visual learner, so any directions to suitable online videos would help immensely..
Thanks for reading, hope you're enjoying the bank holiday! Ben