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Thursday 23 Apr 2020

Network Rail signaller 3D prints thousands of visors for care workers

Region & Route:

North West & Central

A railway signaller is using his spare time to create visors for care workers on his 3D printer during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gary Knight is a Network Rail relief signaller in Barrow-in-Furness by profession, but a keen creator in his spare time.

When he learned about the PPE shortage for care workers in the UK, he knew something had to be done.

Gary and his wife, Anita, have been creating protective visors for care workers, allowing them to stay safe at work as they care for vulnerable patients.

The frame for the visor is created on the 3D printer, then Gary and Anita attach a clear plastic sheet to create the protective screen.

Initially, Gary was funding the project with money from working overtime shifts, but to keep up with the demand for the plastic visors he has been printing, he can’t take on as much extra work.

That was when fellow railway signaller Mark McGrath created a fundraising page to help Gary buy the equipment he needs to protect as many care workers as he can.

The money raised has helped Gary produce over 1500 visors so far and funded two more printers to increase production.

Gary Knight, Network Rail relief signaller, said: “I first got into 3D printing about three years ago. Usually, I 3D print radio control model planes which is my hobby.

“I started making visors when I watched a news report about people in care homes dying from coronavirus and finding out the staff didn’t have enough PPE. I knew I could do something to help that would be simple but effective.”

Network Rail staff are helping the effort by delivering the visors to care homes across the Lancashire and Cumbria regions in their vans as they continue to work in their essential roles.

If you wish to donate to Gary’s fundraiser, you can find it here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/visors-for-care-workers.