Young carer William from Scarborough makes hundreds of face shields for nursing homes

A young carer from Scarborough has made hundreds of face shields with a 3D printer he bought using holiday money.
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William Stainton, 13, has made 670 face shields and more than 900 ear savers, to protect people’s ears while wearing face masks, for nursing homes across Scarborough and Bridlington as well as for chemists.

The whole endeavour was William’s idea after dad Kevin Stainton, 57, suggested they find something to keep themselves entertained during lockdown.

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William is a young carer for his father, who has coronary heart disease and stage four chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

William with the face shields he has been making. Picture: North Yorkshire County CouncilWilliam with the face shields he has been making. Picture: North Yorkshire County Council
William with the face shields he has been making. Picture: North Yorkshire County Council

When Mr Stainton began shielding in March, William began researching how other countries were dealing with the pandemic.

Mr Stainton said: “He went up to his room and began researching on his computer and came down an hour later. He’d been reading about a company in Italy who’s been making valves for ventilators – he said he thought a similar thing might be useful for the UK and asked if we could get a 3D printer.

“We had some holiday money put aside, so William suggested we used that to get one. I did a bit of research and managed to find one.”

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William discovered the UK did not need ventilator parts in the same way as Italy.

After hearing of the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, he decided to make facial shields instead.

Mr Stainton added: “William also thinks he’s spending his money on the materials – but I’m actually saving it up for him. He was one of the first people in our area to start making them. I’m so proud of him and everything he does.

“I think he’s worried about me getting Covid-19, so he thinks if he can help to protect other people from the virus he can help me. He helps me every day with everything I need as well.

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"Cooking, washing, he helps me to get about. He just brightens my day up and always does his best to cheer me up.”

William says he feels like it is the nurses who are truly doing an amazing job and he is just making face shields.

He said he wanted to start making the equipment after seeing what was happening in Italy and wanting it to be prevented here.

Mr Stainton arranges for the shields and ear savers to be picked up and transported.

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Janet Sanderson, North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s impressive to see how our young people have used innovative means to address the challenges within our communities.

“This young man has generously put his own money towards something to help the wider community. Paired with his role as a young carer, it’s clear he’s a credit to the community.”

William is being supported by the Young Carer Service at Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource.

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