Burnley high school smashes £3,500 fundraising target in support of key workers

Staff, parents and members of the community have been donating what they would normally spend on fuel, or other small luxuries, to the fund.

Money raised is going towards the creation and purchase of extra personal protective equipment to support the NHS, healthcare providers, residential care homes and care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 1,500 full-face visors were produced and delivered to those services most in need across the region during the Easter break, with staff working alongside the children of key workers who are still present in school.

Cards and letters have also been sent to NHS services around the country, as far apart as Weardale and Hereford.

In addition, 1,400 disposable aprons, 50 boxes of gloves, paper towels and care packages including hand-moisturisers, Easter eggs, biscuits and tea and coffee have been donated to hospitals, hospices, residential care homes, nursing homes, home care providers, pharmacies, GP surgeries and district nursing staff.

Accrington Lions, a local branch of the Lions International service club, have provided the largest single donation so far - a total of £250 - which funded the creation of 250 visors.

Kay Edmundsen, the branch’s treasurer and zone chairperson, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Shuttleworth’s campaign. Our organisation supports worthy causes such as these and it’s vital that those on the frontline get the PPE they need.”

Shuttleworth headteacher Ruth England said: “We will keep producing face visors and buying other PPE items as long as fundraising money comes in.

"The ‘production line’ in school is a real team effort and the response from staff in school and remotely has been phenomenal.

"This is a really important way for us to support our community during the pandemic and we will keep working with local organisations to support them as best we can and ensure that equipment is delivered safely to where it is needed.”

Donations are still being accepted via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shuttleworthcollege