How you can help a Harborough man who is working night and day to produce lifesaving personal protective equipment for local NHS staff

Aaron Shrive is working flat out an incredible 21 hours a day to make crucial face shields amid overwhelming coronavirus demand
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A true Harborough hero is working night and day to produce lifesaving personal protective equipment for local NHS staff.

Aaron Shrive, 31, is working flat out an incredible 21 hours a day to make crucial face shields amid overwhelming coronavirus demand.

He’s snatching sleep when ever he can to give health workers as well as care home staff the kit they need to help them survive.

And big-hearted Aaron has launched his round-the-clock one-man operation off his own back – while losing his week-to-week income.

“I kickstarted doing this last Wednesday as soon as I realised the dire situation out there.

“This is life and death,” said the technical wizard.

“I’ve got total respect for NHS workers, along with nursery home staff, who are risking their lives to look after the rest of us.

“It takes real guts to do that and I only wish I could do more for them.

“It’s just not right that they haven’t got all the protective equipment they need to stay well.

“So if I can do my bit and help everyone who works in local hospitals and health centres stay safe during this awful time then I’ll be happy.”

Self-employed Aaron, who lives off Ashley Way, Market Harborough, is knocking out scores of face shields on his 3D printers.

“I do table top miniature war gaming as a hobby.

“Now I’ve built up about 100 regular miniature war gamers all over the world over the last 18 months.

“I produce a range of products supporting other people’s games,” said the public-spirited Harborough born-and-bred entrepreneur.

“I’ve told all my customers they’ll have to be patient and bear with me while I switch all my focus to making PPE kits.

“They’ve all been very good about it.

“I’ve got two totally-repurposed 3D printers producing two face shields each in about 65 minutes.

“I’ve got a third printer coming in today, Monday, so I’ll be able to increase output by another 50 per cent.

“The kit would only cost a few quid each but I’m voluntarily forfeiting my normal income.

“And I’m not accepting any donations that I’ve been generously offered towards the cost.”

Aaron said he’s already delivered over 160 face shields to Market Harborough Medical Centre and St Luke’s Hospital on Leicester Road, Harborough, as well as to community midwives and care homes.

“I’m doing my best to support the NHS and other staff who need this equipment throughout the Market Harborough area.

“I’m having to work non-stop to try to meet the amazing demand,” he said.

“I’ve not slept more than three hours a night for days!

“I’ve not even had to approach anyone – they are coming to me urgently requesting shields.

“I also have to give our community right across Harborough a massive pat on the back.

“I’ve joined Market Harborough Coronavirus Support Facebook group.

“And when ever I’ve posted appeals for materials such as A4 laminator pouches people have responded straight away.

“They’ve been absolutely magnificent getting behind me all the way.”

Altruistic Aaron also saluted his girlfriend Georgina, 29, for helping to keep his astonishing mission on the road.

“She’s working at home as a company secretary and she’s keeping the money coming in for the moment,” he said.

“I’m at full stretch but I’ll keep producing PPE equipment as long as it’s needed.

“We all have to help keep our NHS heroes safe.

“And one day these doctors, nurses and medics could be looking after our loved ones, our friends, our neighbours.

“They could be keeping us alive if we catch the coronavirus.

“So we all need to do what we can to support them for as long as this emergency lasts.”

If you would like to support Aaron’s brilliant NHS crusade you can contact him on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157128319741370&set=a.10150149728041370&type=3&theater&ifg=1And you can visit Market Harborough Coronavirus Support here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1016616858711729