Golfers from Ferndown Golf Club are helping build a defence against the Coronavirus by sourcing face masks for NHS workers.
Club member John Hollingdale, an orthopaedic surgeon, knew that most face masks used in the building trade would protect against infection from Covid-19. He contacted past-captain Matt Fleming to ask about his contacts in the sector – and the result was incredible as everyone swung into action.
Matt’s post on LinkedIn – the business networking site – was viewed by many thousands of people in the building trade who began donating their spare equipment. Developers started contacting their suppliers and sub-contractors and one even jumped into his car and delivered the personal protective equipment (PPE) directly to a hospital.
It prompted the Home Builders’ Federation, the industry body, to get involved and launch its PPE4NHS campaign.
Ian Walton, Ferndown’s general manager, said: “The response following the initial idea from John Hollingdale has been remarkable. He is a surgeon, so knew that equipment used in the building trade would help protect NHS frontline workers. Matt Fleming and his contacts in the trade started a ball rolling – and it hasn’t stopped. We have even got members sourcing masks directly from China.
“Almost all of the UK’s top developers rallied behind the Home Builder’s Federation’s campaign and tens of thousands of PPE items have been delivered.
“Furthermore, the Alliss Invitational Charity heard about the campaign and immediately donated £2,500. Another connection the club has with the national effort to combat the coronavirus is that part of the newly-built Nightingale Hospital is named after our life member Dame Yvonne Moores. Dame Yvonne was for many years the Chief Nursing Officer for England. Our club and our members will continue to help in any way we can to support those in the fight against coronavirus.”