East Cheshire Hospice has thanked design students and staff at Fallibroome Academy for a supply of visors.
More than 1,000 face shields produced by the school have been distributed to nurses and staff in the local health care community.
The Hospice was among recipients. Director Karyn Johnston said: “It was great to get this help from our community. The visors provide an extra layer of confidence for our front-line care workers by protecting them more.
“Normally we’d use goggles as eye protection but they’re uncomfortable to wear all day. This wonderful initiative shows the community spirit which has been brought about by this crisis and that all of us can play a part.”
The school joined the fight against coronavirus when Andy Jones, its Director of Teaching and Learning for Design and Technology, realised their laser cutter could make the polypropylene and acetate visors.
A prototype was developed and manufacturing began once the school quickly saw that there was big demand.
The Academy’s Business Manager Karen Sharrocks, until recently a senior NHS manager, provided crucial logistical advice to ensure the visors reached the front-line of health care.
The school stayed open over Easter for pupils whose parents are key workers and were joined on the assembly line by staff volunteers, including Karl Rackham who made his own mask using a 3D printer at home.
Pupils included Lily Vesty, Jasmine Edwards, Felicity Funnell, Kadyleigh Bailey and Catriona Beynon.
Head Teacher Francis Power said: “Andy and colleague Oliver Hardman have really driven this project and given up a huge amount of time in doing so. I want to thank everyone for supporting this initiative at such a critical time.”
Local suppliers provided more materials once initial stocks were used. The school covered costs from donations from Macclesfield and Poynton Round Tables while parents also offered support.
Pupil Catriona Beynon hard at work making visors.
Teacher Oliver Hardman who helped make visors.
Fallibroome teacher Andy Jones