Earlier this year, when schools and businesses locked down and many people’s lives were put on hold, our courageous NHS and frontline staff were working harder than ever to battle Covid-19.
Following media coverage on the desperate lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) available, one of our local schools, Leighton Park, started an initiative to manufacture and distribute face shields to local hospitals, hospices, care homes, GP surgeries, schools, councils, supermarkets and many other organisations caring for vulnerable people.
We were delighted to partner with the school a few weeks into their initiative, using our school laser cutter to create headbands, which were later attached to visors to create the face shields. We are extremely proud of our school production team, consisting of Mr Phillippo, Mr Lindner and Mr Ward, who gave up their time (in between virtual teaching) to help such a great cause. With the help of Year 13 student Sam, who found a way to optimise the material settings on the laser cutter allowing it to work twice as fast, the St Joseph’s team were able to help create over 2000 face shields.
Thanks to fundraising efforts and the generous contributions from the community, Leighton Park, along with its 22 partners produced over 37,000 face shields, making a difference to almost 500 organisations desperate for vital PPE.
Also keen to help the community during its time of need, Year 10 St Joseph’s pupil, Leo, used his own 3D printer to design and print face shields from his home. Leo initially distributed his face shields to friends and family members, before being added to Royal Berkshire Hospital’s supplier list.
Well done to all those involved in this fantastic initiative. We are extremely proud of you all.
Another show of support came from Mrs Robinson, who made bespoke headbands for NHS workers, complete with buttons to attach face masks and elastics to protect sore ears. Such a lovely, creative way to show support and bring a smile to the faces of some of the amazing NHS staff.
