Westholme School has come together to support the NHS and its community in a number of different ways during this challenging time.

The Blackburn-based independent school has supported those on the frontline and local charities, with many heart-warming stories of care and determination.

Hundreds of gloves, safety glasses and scrubbing brushes have been donated to the Royal Blackburn Hospital and local GP surgeries, to help fight against Coronavirus. The response on social media saw the school inundated with requests for help to provide Personal Protective Equipment.

Dr Qureshi, whose surgery received over 90 pairs of safety goggles, said: “I can’t tell you how grateful we are to receive these. They will be allocated to neighbouring surgeries and clinics that will greatly benefit from this added protection."

The 3D printer and laser cutter at Westholme School, donated by the Westholme Association, have been working continuously to create visors and mask clips.

The initiative, started by Mr Jonathan Walker in the Design and Technology Department, saw him create a number of visors for Burnley General Hospital - delivered by Principal Mrs Horner which were greatly received. The response on social media was so incredible that Westholme collaborated with the Technology Department at Broughton High School and St Cecilia’s RC High in Longridge to combine resources and produce over 500 visors and mask clips for frontline NHS staff.

The visors have been delivered to a number of locations around the county including the Royal Preston Hospital, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital, East Lancashire Hospice, Darwen Health Link, Community Sexual and Reproductive health Clinics, Blackburn Birth Centre, Colne Health Centre, Meadowfield House home for older people and Primary Care Mental Health Services.

Westholme Principal Mrs Lynne Horner said: “It is often in the most difficult times that we see the best in people.  We have been proud to support our wonderful NHS workers and, though the efforts of our DT teacher Mr Walker and subsequent close collaboration with two local schools, we have been able to increase the amount of PPE to donate. 

“I hope that these small acts not only give practical help but also show our support for the NHS across our community – they are doing a great job in a very challenging situation.  We are just happy to help where we can.”

Dr Preeti Shukla, an executive member of the NHS Blackburn and Darwen CCG, received some of the visors. She said: “A huge thanks from all GPs and staff at Richmond Hill practice to Westholme School and Mr Walker for providing us with much needed eye visors for NHS staff. Thanks for stepping up to the challenge and helping us look after our patients.”

Meanwhile, Westholme School has been helping to look after key worker children at Billinge House. The children have had a wonderful time singing and being creative - making beautiful rainbow artwork to raise a smile as people enjoy their daily exercise.

Some students have set up their own campaigns to help support the NHS, creating posters, painting pebbles with the NHS logo and even the Westholme groundsman has got involved – painting ‘thank you NHS’ in the freshly-cut grass.