Malcolm Tait, a mobile operations manager for Network Rail, based in Morpeth, has donated spare personal protective equipment (PPE) to a local school so that vital education can continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His mobile operations team responds to any issues on the railway, so services can continue to operate safely and efficiently. This means that critical workers who need to travel can get to their jobs and freight services can continue transporting food and medical supplies across the country.
However, as well as working on the railway, Malcolm also wanted to support children with additional needs who are continuing to attend school throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The students at Collingwood School and Media Arts College usually have teachers and learning support staff around them, and access to specialist facilities, so it would be difficult for them to learn from home.
In response, Malcolm arranged for Network Rail to provide over 200 PPE items to the school, including gloves and hand sanitiser, which means that lessons can take place in line with Government guidance.
Malcolm said: “The staff at Collingwood School and Media Arts College are doing an amazing job to keep it open for students who need specialist support during these challenging times.
“I’ve seen the hard work from teams across Network Rail to provide PPE for frontline NHS workers, and I suggested donating items to Collingwood School, so the students can safely continue with their lessons in an environment that they are familiar with.
“I’m proud of my colleagues at Network Rail for helping me gather the spare PPE so it could be taken to where it is needed.”
