Newport business owner donates iPads to quarantined coronavirus patients to prevent loneliness
A Newport business owner has donated second-hand iPads to quarantined coronavirus patients to help prevent them from becoming lonely.
Gadget repair business owner Dario Oliver reached his £1,000 target in just two days after starting a fundraiser for Royal Gwent Hospital.
The 29-year-old bought five second-hand iPads with the donations for the hospital’s intensive care unit. Patients can use the tablets to stay in touch with family and friends via video calls.
Mr Oliver, who runs gadget repair business MouseTech with his younger brother, said: “It’s incredible to see people coming together like this.
“That’s what helps - knowing people in the community are willing to help each other.”
Mr Oliver said he had heard stories of doctors lending their phones to patients who had no other way of speaking to their loved ones while recovering from the virus.
“They had no visitors, and no contact. I couldn’t imagine being in that situation, or having a relative in that situation,” he said.
He and his brother have also delivered toiletry and towel donations for the hospital from local beauty salons and the Celtic Manor Resort.
Dario also raised money for NHS staff working at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, Ebbw Vale, by shaving off his hair. He raised more than £1,600 alongside a friend after they set a target of £500.
Many people across Wales have been shaving their heads to raise money for charity.
Mr Oliver said: “The whole of Newport has come together, and everyone is doing their bit in one way or another.
“I feel proud to be a part of the community.”