With visiting hours suspended in hospitals across the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, some patients have reported running low on essential toiletries.
But after he was furloughed from his job supplying parts for Nissan, Callum Reed made it his mission to deliver toiletries to the patients at Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The 23-year-old decided to collect donations for patients following a conversation about supplies with his mum, who has worked as a sister at the hospital for 30 years.
And it didn’t take long for the conservatory of their home in Windy Nook, Gateshead, to become filled with kind donations from the community.
Callum said: “When I was furloughed I didn’t know what to do with my time, but when I heard about the hospitals running out of stuff, I thought I have to do something about it.
“At first I thought I would just collect donations from family and friends, but when I put a post on Facebook about it, I had strangers getting in touch to arrange boxes of donations.
“I must have had over 1000 items donated now.”
As well as toiletries for patients, Callum has also received kind donations of PPE for NHS staff, including glasses, visors and mask clips, from businesses across the North East.
He will continue to make deliveries of vital PPE, which is currently in high demand.
However, it is the kind donation from a local seven-year-old, who donated her pocket money, that has captured the hearts of Callum’s family and moved them to tears.
Sealed in an envelope addressed to “Callum the Hero”, the generous girl donated her £5 pocket money towards Callum’s efforts.
In a letter, she wrote: “My name is Emma Lowden and I am seven-years-old.
“I would like to give you £5 of my pocket money to help buy whatever you like to help the poorly/doctors.
“Thank you for your help Mr Callum.”
Callum said: “I was delighted and blown away when I received the letter with the money as I couldn’t believe such a young girl had shown such maturity.
“I wanted to thank her with an Easter egg and when I went to arrange delivery, I found out that she had bought an Easter egg for me too. She’s such a kind little girl.”
Following the volume of generous donations, Callum is looking to extend his deliveries to supply local care homes, where visits have also been suspended.
He adds: “The response I’ve had has been absolutely incredible, and the staff at the hospital have been so grateful to receive the donations.
“I’ve been sending people photos of the nurses when they receive the deliveries, as I wanted to show people the difference they are making.”
