Logistics giant DHL has flown 100,000 face shields into its East Midlands Airport base to help protect frontline coronavirus staff.
As part of its support for the Masks for NHS Heroes campaign, DHL Express flew in the PPE from China to its base at the Castle Donington Airport.
The equipment, purchased through the Masks for NHS Heroes crowdfunding push, is now being distributed by DHL Supply Chain to 100 locations in urgent need, including care homes, hospices, hospitals, trusts and GPs surgeries.
The campaign to source PPE for frontline NHS staff has so far raised £1.8 million, including notable celebrity donations such as £275,000 from actor James McAvoy.
John Pearson, chief executive at DHL Express, said: “The achievement of the Masks for NHS Heroes campaign and the public support it has received has been astonishing.
“We’re honoured to be able to help with our logistics expertise and global network to get much needed protective equipment to the NHS staff who are risking their lives to protect the public.
“Through our air cargo fleet and network on the ground in the 海角视频, these vital face shields have gone from, Shenzhen in China and into the hands of NHS staff in less than 24 hours.”
Dr Mona Barzin, who co-founded the campaign, said: “It’s been so vital to this project to have partners like DHL supporting us.
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“It’s thanks to their contribution that more of the generous public donations can be spent directly on PPE. We have needed everyone to come together to make this happen.
“The amount we’ve raised so far has totally surpassed our expectations, but the need is ongoing.
“This equipment is not only protecting staff, but also patients by stopping the spread so we’re urging the public to continue donating whatever they can.”
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DHL is distributing the face shields to NHS facilities throughout Hull, West Yorkshire, Surrey, London, Scotland, Oxford, Chesterfield, Northumbria, Somerset, Cornwall, Nottingham, West Midlands and East Sussex.
Nigel Adams, Minister of State for Asia, said: “Masks For NHS Heroes is doing a fantastic job and our Embassy and consulates are doing everything we can to support the effort.
“We have been working around-the-clock to purchase frontline supplies and support charitable donations that will help save lives. We are seeking further deliveries as a matter of urgency.”