Mansfield drive to get crucial protective equipment to NHS staff will be rolled-out across region

The PPE4NHS campaign, spearheaded by Sutton-based firm Lindhurst Engineering, has received thousands of items from businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Lindhurst managing director Martin Rigley MBE said: “Through the magnificent good nature and generosity of businesses across the region, we’ve now handed out around 15,000 items of PPE, to be used by NHS staff and key workers in Nottinghamshire.”

“We’re delighted with the response of the local business community and know there’s more to come so please keep the donations coming.”

Originally set up to cover the Mansfield and Ashfield area, the scheme is now being rolled out region-wide with the support of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, with donations coming from a variety of industries.

D2N2 head of business and Innovation, Frank Horsley, said: “It is inspiring to witness the tremendous and selfless efforts of our local businesses not only through this campaign but also in supporting the national effort to defeat Covid-19.”

“The #ppe4nhs campaign is gaining real momentum and connected into the local resilience planning across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, not only ensuring donations reach the NHS but also support key frontline staff in social care and community support.”

Brian Christian Hair Design in Derbyshire is just one of the local businesses answering the call, donating 1,600 pairs of protective gloves usually used when applying products to the hair of customers’ at the Heanor-based salon.

“I was upset at seeing hard working NHS staff without the correct equipment to do their jobs in this pandemic,” said owner Brian Jenkins. “We’re all in this together and it’s only right that I help out where I can.”

Another donation came from Tony Holmes, manager of the Foxglove pub in Mansfield, who donated 3,000 disposable aprons.

He said: "Because of the restrictions we're shut currently, so the NHS needs our PPE far more than we do at the moment, so we want to do our bit for such a worthy cause and would urge other businesses to do the same".

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