Highland League side Wick Academy has chipped in to help a drive to equip NHS and care workers in the far north with face masks and guards.
For the past week, Wick High School teacher Chris Aitken has been churning out masks using his 3D printer as part of the fight to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The initiative has caught the imagination of players and committee members of the Harmsworth Park side, who have donated £1,000 towards his work.
Since news of Mr Aitken’s effort has spread, he has had been fielding requests to boost the stock of personal protective equipment in local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes.
The computer science teacher has been helped in his efforts by colleagues and friends, who have donated all manner of materials and equipment.
A keen Scorries fan, he is delighted with the latest donation.
It includes the proceeds from the players’ “fine box”, which had been earmarked to fund an end-of-season trip.
This was topped up by a whip-round involving members of the club’s management and committee.
A club spokesman said: “The players, management and committee are appreciative of the support we are given during the football season and are delighted to be able to do something to help the local community in times of need.
“The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for agreeing to forgo their wages during this uncertain period and to urge everyone to stay safe and stay at home for as long as required.”
Meanwhile in Aberdeen, a company dedicated to creating life support equipment has unveiled its new ventilator system to aid in the global battle against the virus.
JFD, a world leader in breathing apparatus with a breathing lab at the National Hyperbaric Centre in the city, designed the system with a specific focus on reducing the usage of oxygen.
It uses up to 90% less than other ventilators on the market.
Giovanni Corbetta, managing director at JFD, said: “Since the global outbreak of Covid-19, JFD has been working around the clock, utilising all our experience in developing breathing apparatus and life support equipment to design the best possible solution for patients, doctors and healthcare authorities around the world.
“As well as basing our design on a proven medical ventilator device, a key part of this project has been to take into account the likely pressures on O2 supply.
“Our core purpose as a company is to protect lives.
“So, we are delighted that we have been able to use and transfer some of our experience into helping and hopefully alleviating some of the pressure that all the amazing health workers are under.”
The InVicto ventilator system is already proven and ready for manufacture and the oxygen recovery system capabilities are currently undergoing final testing.
The system design has referenced the latest government recommendations and standards based on clinical care experience in China and Italy.
The city’s Thistle Dental, based on Thistle Street, has developed a working prototype for an FFP3 face mask.
The mask, which is 3D printed, is said to be a solution to the PPE shortage many hospitals are experiencing.
Once tested, clinicians hope the equipment will be a solution to providing custom-fitted masks that can be manufactured locally.
