Business Owner is #ProudtoSupport the NHS and Care Workers

A South Tyneside business owner whose company has been forced to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic is making the Borough #proud as he uses his spare time to help NHS staff and carers.

Josh Trueman, who owns JT Workshop in Jarrow, spends up to 70 hours a week producing clips to protect the ears of NHS staff and carers who are wearing masks for such a length of time they develop painful sores that bleed.

The 20-year-old was nominated as part of the council's recently launched #ProudtoSupport campaign, which recognises unsung heroes supporting South Tyneside communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: "It is extremely heart-warming to hear about the help and support that Josh is providing for some of our key workers, not only across the Borough, but across the whole country.

"It is a truly selfless act which shows true community spirit and pure kindness. Josh symbolises everything that our #ProudtoSupport campaign is about and I would like to thank him, on behalf of South Tyneside, for using his spare time to help those who are out there risking their own lives to save others."

Josh set himself a target of producing 1,000 clips but soon surpassed this goal and has now produced more than 10,000 clips.

As well as creating the clips, Josh and his team also purchase toiletries which they donate to hospital workers and patients whose families are unable to visit due to the lockdown.

Josh said: "It's an extremely worrying time for businesses owners but I was determined to find a productive use of my time during lockdown. I spotted a post on Facebook asking for anybody who owns laser cutters to reach out to help the NHS and those on the frontline of the COVID-19 battle. I received a digital copy of the clips, specially designed at an angle to protect the ears with a heart shape in the middle that grips on to the hair at the back of the had so the glasses don't slip around and cause abrasions.

"My mum has always taught me to look after others. I truly believe we're all in this life together and we should look after one another."