PPE masks made in memory of boss who lost his life to Covid-19

One company making protective equipment for staff who are risking their lives to treat patients with Covid-19 has a special reason for doing so.

TES Europe in Wisbech are making masks in memory of their boss Peter Waterfield, who lost his life to the coronavirus.

When he first developed the symptoms of Covid-19 he asked his business partner Alex to use their company's 3D printers to make equipment for the NHS.

TES Europe in Wisbech are making masks in memory of their boss Peter Waterfield, who lost his life to the coronavirus. Credit: Family picture

And that protection is needed on a massive scale. The Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge using three times as much protective equipment as they normally would - 1800 aprons every week.

In Northamptonshire, the might of British technology is being repurposed. 50 companies within an hour's drive of Silverstone are sourcing and manufacturing items for two local hospitals, 72 GP surgeries and more than 500 care homes.

By-passing national supply lines to work on a local scale

But in Rivenhall near Witham in Essex, there's frustration and anger. Stealthmounts Limited says it is not lack of supply but lack of organisation that's preventing front line staff from getting the protection they need. So far their efforts have been funded by donations from the public but the money is about to run out.

There's been a lot of talk about the Dunkirk spirit during this pandemic. In some ways that's a great analogy. Small companies, large corporations, each launching their own bids to help. Together - a flotilla with a common mission. But what's needed, they say, is the Government to harness that potential