SURGERIES and nursing homes in Denbighshire have received highly sought after equipment from the most unlikely of places.
Year eight Denbigh High pupil Steffan Jones has been making good use of his lockdown time, 3D printing protective face shields for frontline staff working during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Using his own 3D printer and acetate provided by Denbigh High, last week the 13 year old provided ten of the masks to the Pen-y-Bont Surgery in St Asaph.
Steffan said: “I wanted to do something to help the frontline workers to protect themselves as they are doing such a great job.
"I thought, I’ve got a 3D printer so I can print face shields, and it went from there really.
"It feels good to be able to help and be involved.”
The community minded teen is a member of Rhyl Air Cadets, which he attends twice a week with hopes to become a RAF pilot.
He loves creating and making things and was given a 3D printer for Christmas a couple of years ago.
Steffan with a delivery of vital masks for frontline workers in Denbighshire
So far, he has made 44 face shields using specifications provided by the 914 strong Facebook group North Wales Covid Face Shield, which is enlisting 3D printer owners across the region to do their bit in producing the vital items of Personal protective Equipment.
To date, Steffan’s face shields have gone to Denbigh health workers, a Ruthin nursing home, surgery staff and a funeral director.
Steffan’s mum, Sian Jones, said: “We are so proud of Steffan and the work he is doing to help key workers. It’s great to be able to help the North Wales Covid Face Shield Group and Steffan will keep going as long as he has materials.
“The school has been great in supporting Steffan, and particularly at this time. Since he has been there, they have given him so many invaluable learning opportunities. I can’t commend them enough.”
To keep producing the face shields Steffan desperately needs more materials, particularly white PLA plastic and clear flexible acetate sheets.
Anyone who can help with either of these materials can contact Sian Jones on 07879451949.
For more information on supporting 3D printers in North Wales or printing masks
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