Firm donates 10,000 masks to NHS workers

Mainprize Offshore Ltd had purchased the masks prior to the coronavirus pandemic, opting instead to give them to nearby Scarborough Hospital.

The firm, which supplies offshore vessels and crew for the European windfarm market, had initially ordered the masks to provide team members with necessary PPE.

After hearing from a family member that the hospital was in need of additional masks, owners Bob and Sharon Mainprize enquired about their own stock and were relieved to find that it met NHS safety requirements, making the masks suitable for donation.

Mr Mainprize said: “We are in awe of the hard work and dedication of our NHS and frontline workers.

“We’re grateful to have been able to show our appreciation by donating our excess supply of masks to those with a far greater need.

“While we have absorbed the cost at a time when small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, Sharon and I had no reservations at all in doing whatever we could to support the efforts of the country’s frontline workers.

“Scarborough Hospital has always held a special place in our family and my own grandmother was awarded a British Empire Medal for her charitable work at the hospital over 70 years ago. I like to think she would’ve been proud of our contribution.”

Simon Morritt, chief executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of our local business and wider community, my thanks go to everyone who has made a contribution.”

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