A TEDBURN St Mary man is using his own 3D printer to produce essential small items for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and is welcoming donations from members of the public to fund some of the printing and towards a second printer.

Geoff Sabi Palmer has so far raised £160 of his £400 target to make items for face shields etc.

Geoff explained: “I’m sure most of you are aware of the global pandemic we are facing known as Covid-19, and the tremendous stress our care workers and the NHS are having to endure.

“You are probably also aware of the shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is putting our key workers at great risk of infection.

“There is currently a global effort to harness the powers of 3D printing in order to relieve some of this pressure. The 3D printing community are working hard to provide vital equipment such as zero touch door handles, mask adapters and face shields to these key front-line workers.

“At this is a difficult time communities need to work together, we all need to do our bit to ensure we get through this pandemic.

“I have been using my spare time and resources to protect and support those that need it most.

“I began by printing the equipment and offering them to local care workers and family at no cost.

“I quickly realised the need was much greater than I had imagined.

“I have since spent time optimising designs and tuning my current printer to reach higher production speeds, however I am just a hobbyist and will never reach manufacturing plant speeds.

“This realisation encouraged me to create a gofundme campaign to help fund additional materials. Donations have exceeded my expectations, the generosity of the public in this difficult time has been overwhelming.

“I am hoping to raise enough funds to add a second printer to production, thus allowing me to produce vital equipment much faster, therefore more than doubling my current production speed. I am overwhelmed by the immense support I have received so far, I really appreciate the generosity of each and every one of you.”

On April 13 Geoff delivered more than 100 pieces to the Bramble ward (children’s) at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Donations can be made online here: gf.me/u/xwkfmv .