Mansfield man's PPE visor mission boosted by £500 donation

The money has been used by Daniel Clover, of the council's design services team, to buy a second 3D printer which has allowed him to double production of the visors he has been making for frontline workers during the Covid-19 national emergency.

Among those who have benefited so far are local NHS medical staff, NHS community carers, a nursing home, learning disability support workers and Nottinghamshire Police.Dan, 34, a quantity surveyor from Mansfield Woodhouse, plans to donate the printer to a school once it is no longer needed to make PPE.

He said: “"I am so grateful to the Mayor for the money. It will enable me to dramatically increase production of the visors.

"Together with a group of other 3D printer owners, we have managed to make 1,000 visors so far but have orders for another 700. We plan to carry on printing while there is a need."

Dan has been joined in his mission by 16 local 3D printer owners, including council colleague Paul Charlton, an architectural technician in the design services team.

Dan bought his 3D printer a couple of months ago as part of a personal venture to create a prototype for an invention he has designed and is seeking to patent around preventing misfuelling at petrol stations. That project has now been put on hold to help with the coronavirus effort. He has also collaborated with staff at Vision West Notts College and teachers at Samworth Academy in Mansfield who have also been using the college's and school’s 3D printers to make visors.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said: "I was only too glad to help Dan's fantastic work. It's critically important everything possible is done to help get this vital PPE to all those medical staff, carers and workers on the frontline. It helps save lives."

Each visor takes about 90 minutes to print and costs 70p to £1 to make. To donate towards the cost of making them, click here.

If anyone requires visors, contact Dan via the Mansfield, Nottinghamshire Coronavirus (Covid-19) Mutual Aid Group here.

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