Thoughtful Burnley pupils deliver personal protective equipment – along with heartwarming messages of support – to NHS staff

Science teacher Maria Hassan, who has been in school supporting the children of local key-workers, came up with the idea to donate the science department’s PPE, including safety goggles, visors and gloves, to Burnley General Hospital.

Maria's mum is an obstetrician at Burnley’s Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre, and so all the donations were delivered there for use across the hospital.

Pupils organised and cleaned all the equipment, and then spent time creating and writing bright cards and letters to accompany the PPE.

The letters and cards are already on display in the centre, and Maria said, “It’s absolutely vital that we support our NHS at the moment as they are battling with such an infectious virus.

"We wanted to do something to help and I think our students’ cards and letters have really shown the doctors, midwives, nurses and support staff how appreciated they are and given them a morale boost.”

Pupils have also produced an extra-large rainbow, which is on display in library window.

English teacher Sasha Phillips has also been organising a project for Shuttleworth students to write to those who are currently isolated or who need some cheer during this time.

So far, more than 30 handmade cards and letters have been sent out into the community.

She said: “We’re really pleased that we can bring some cheer to those who might be isolated. We know how hard it can be for people not to be able to see their families and we wanted to play our part to help.

"We want to keep writing as long as we can, so we’re still accepting nominations via our website and social media channels for people to receive something in the post.”

Headteacher Ruth England said: “Community is one of our five Shuttleworth values. I am always proud of our staff and students, but they have all shown so much positivity, resilience and adaptability at this strange time and they are still thinking of others.

"We are all playing our part to support our community and I’m pleased that Shuttleworth staff and students have risen to the challenge.”