Waltham Forest and Redbridge schools have been donating thousands of pieces of protective equipment to local hospitals.

Every secondary school in Waltham Forest has donated to Whipps Cross Hospital, according to one head teacher.

Meanwhile, Woodbridge High School in Woodford alone donated 360 pairs of goggles to Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

NHS staff are facing shortages of vital personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves and aprons, to prevent them catching and spreading Covid-19.

Woodbridge High School headteacher Steven Hogan said: "We are really happy to be able to make this small gesture to help out our colleagues in the NHS at this difficult time. It is a privilege to do what we can.

"I am very grateful to our science and design technology departments for their quick action in getting these things together in recent days.

"We wish all colleagues in the NHS and in the wider care sector the very best, and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for what they are doing for our country and society."

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PPE donated by Waltham Forest schools to Whipps Cross (Sam Jones)

On March 31, the headteacher of Kelmscott School in Walthamstow, Sam Jones, said: “Over 1k more goggles gratefully received by @WhippsCrossHosp today.

“Donations from EVERY secondary school in the borough. An astounding team effort.”

Medical physicist Adam Gibson added: “Stunning to see how Waltham Forest schools are pulling together to help the local hospital out.

“Hundreds of goggles and dozens of boxes of gloves & masks on their way to @WhippsCrossHosp A&E.”

Waltham Forest Council had previously called on local businesses, such as butchers and nail salons, to donate any spare equipment they could.

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