Portsmouth man sets up fundraiser to keep supplying key workers with PPE after initial stocks were snapped up

Farlington property developer Antony Lane was amazed when an appeal to hand out protective equipment across Portsmouth last week saw almost 100 people come forward.

In just a week the thousands of face masks and gloves as well as the hundreds of face shields, hand sanitisers and gowns had been snapped up by those in need.

Antony, 34, said: 'I'm completely out of masks already and the face shields are going.

'I had quite a few carers from care homes come to me for equipment but there were also other key workers who weren't carers or medical staff such as delivery drivers, shop workers and a prison officer who took some back for his team.

'And I gave some to staff at QA Hospital who aren't on the coronavirus wards.

'As long as people say why they need it and it's for a valid reason then I will give it out.'

The dad-of-three initially ordered PPE for his family and workers when the coronavirus pandemic first took hold, using his knowledge of various world-wide shipping companies. He then went on to order more for key workers.

Now, he's aiming higher and has so far raised more than £600 for more stock.

He added: 'Last time I used my own money to buy it all but I wouldn't be able to keep on doing that. People wanted to give me money for it so I thought maybe I could start fundraising.

'I'm happy to top it up if it needs it with a bit of my own money but I can't cover it all.

'This is the time when we need to help people where we can.'

Community care company Handle With Care, based in Portsmouth, has benefited from Antony's help. Managing director Andrea Fearnhead, said: 'He supplied us with 50 face shields.

'It's a constant battle 24 hours a day to try to source PPE. We are struggling on a daily basis.

'I know the council is giving out some but they say only come to us after you have looked everywhere else for it.

'People like Antony who are giving us this equipment are brilliant and the impact it has had on us is amazing. Any donation people can give to health and social care eases the pressure on local authorities.'

Antony is asking any key workers in need of PPE to email him at [email protected] to arrange collection or delivery of the items.

And to donate visit crowdfunder.co.uk/emergency-covid-19-ppe-portsmouth

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