The Arthur Terry Formula 24 Racing Team and Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey collaborate to lend a hand to the NHS

By Archie Delacroix-Humphreys, sixth form, the Arthur Terry School

Following in the footsteps of many National engineering and manufacturing organisations, the Arthur Terry Greenpower F24 Racing Team, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey, have been adapting their skills and resources to make much needed PPE for the NHS.

Sixth former and senior Greenpower team member, Archie Delacroix-Humphreys, who has gained all three AQA Greenpower Certificates in Design, Manufacturing and Systems, spotted a suitable design for Ear Guards on a website and suggested that the Greenpower team’s 3D printer, which was then lying idle due to the school Covid 19 closure , could be put to good use making these PPE Ear Guards.  The Ear Guards fasten around the back of the wearer’s head attached to the face mask elastic.  They keep the elastic away from the backs of the ears of the wearer so stopping uncomfortable sores developing.  Our amazing NHS are working in hot and exhausting conditions and the personal protective equipment is difficult to wear.  Many NHS staff have reported developing sores from the PPE.

The 3D printer and PLA required to make the Ear Guards was very generously funded by regular Greenpower team supporter,  the Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey, who are incredibly pleased with the use to which the printer is currently being put.

David Hunt, Vice President of the Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey said:

On behalf of all the members of the Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey, a great WELL DONE to Archie, Mr. Batty and Arthur Terry Academy. Our Club tries to support local smaller Charities and Good Causes with some of our time and some fundraising, with the Green Power Car being a good example. Designed, built and raced by the pupils show how effective some sponsorship can be to encourage the engineers and designers of the future. The School, pupils and Mr Batty should be proud of their achievements. Now using that technology Archie has designed equipment for the benefit of the Staff at Good Hope Hospital, and produced it on the 3D printer funded by our Rotary Club.We are proud to have played a small part in such a valuable venture during this difficult period. ”

Due to the ongoing Covid 19 issue, students are not permitted onto the school site and so Mr Batty has been going into school and has worked tirelessly to print off batches of the Ear Guards for Archie to collect, while maintaining social distancing rules, and deliver to Good Hope Hospital.

The Senior Sister in the Accident and Emergency Department who has been receiving and distributing the Ear Guards has praised the work of the Greenpower Team.

See the 3D printer in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJGVOi9_Az4&feature=youtu.be