Coronavirus: Ollerton family making surgical mask clips for front line workers exceed their 5,000 target

A family saving the ears of front line workers by making surgical mask clips have exceeded their 5,000 target.

Alan Hudson, Shelena Hartley and daughter Wynter-Rose, 7, of Ollerton, were shocked to have posted out so many clips to keyworkers, now totalling more than 6,000.

“We are not stopping there,” said Alan. “Reaching the 5,000 milestone of donated ear savers was an awesome feeling.

“I thought how cool would it be to see 10,000 on the website, so I set that goal and bought another £250-worth of filament.”

The clips, created using 3D printers, are placed on the back of the head for mask straps to hook on to — helping to save doctors and nurses from soreness to the ears.

“We want to strive for more,” said Shelena. “There’s no stopping us now, sending so many ear savers out has shown us how many people this country really relies on.

“Keyworkers are what is keeping this country alive right now, and helping them is what we are all about.”

Wynter-Rose, who has been keeping count of the clips, said she liked helping with the ear savers and added: “I’m really proud we’ve got so many posted out to the people that need them.

“Thank you keyworkers.”

Alan said although most people were ordering his clips for essential reasons, that some people had been taking advantage of his free services.

“I have set up a new eligibility checker for businesses or individuals that are not front line workers, who can purchase the ear savers for very little,” he said.

Alan has not sold any clips yet but, when he does, the money raised will be used to buy more filament for his five 3D printers.

The family are to continue their free services and have thanked anyone who has contributed to their late friend’s donation page at shorturl.at/dtDOW

You can order clips at www.facebook.com/savingears/