Wick Academy's £1000 donation for PPE work by local teacher
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CHRIS Aitken's efforts to create face masks to protect frontline health workers have been given a cash boost by his local Highland League football club.
The players, management and committee of Wick Academy dug deep to donate £1000 which will help the Wick High School computing science teacher continue with his public-spirited work during the Covid-19 crisis.
Chris, who lives at Gills and is a keen supporter of Academy, has been busy producing face masks and guards using 3D printing technology. The personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be used by health and social care workers in the county.
Academy's league season was cut short when all Scottish football was suspended on March 13.
In a statement, the Harmsworth Park club said: "We decided to donate the money to Chris as he continually requires funds for materials to continue producing this essential PPE.
"The players, management and committee are appreciative of the support we are given during the football season and are delighted to be able to do something to help the local community in times of need.
"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for agreeing to forgo their wages during this uncertain period, and to urge everyone to stay safe and stay at home for as long as required."
Club chairman Pat Miller explained: "The players have a 'fine box' – it's a thing that they do themselves and they usually use it for an end-of-season trip. They got together and decided to donate it to Chris.
"Gary Manson [co-manager] orchestrated it – he phoned me and asked if we would contribute. I went round the committee and we all chipped in.
"I'm delighted that the players have had the presence of mind to do this."
Chris said on Twitter that he was humbled by the community response, and that he and his team were on track to produce 500 masks and guards.
