Portsmouth man who offered surplus PPE to key workers has now ordered thousands of items to hand out

Property developer Antony Lane from Farlington initially ordered some face masks and hand sanitisers, among other PPE, for his family and workers when the coronavirus pandemic first told hold.

The 34-year-old used his knowledge of various world-wide shipping companies to see what he could find.

However, after buying enough to allow a 'skeleton crew' of his staff to return to work renovating properties he realised others might be in need of it.

Antony said: 'I didn't find it too hard because I knew where to look.

'I bid for the equipment on worldwide shipping websites where it was coming in from other countries like Turkey and Russia - but it's all CE approved.

'I have ordered many things from there before for work so I thought I'd have a look when things kicked off and ordered some for my family and staff. The quality was fantastic so I ordered some more for people who really need it.'

So far Antony has ordered around 1,000 reusable face shields, 2,500 N95 masks, 2,500 medical masks, up to 100 boxes of gloves and boxes of gowns and hand sanitiser but he has plans to order more.

The dad-of-three said: 'You hear the stories about people on the frontline who don't have anything. I thought it was ridiculous.

'I know the government is helping some places but I think there are key workers who still haven't been able to get any PPE. And it's those people I'd like to help.

'It is costing a fair bit of money but it's the least I can do. It's the delivery that's more expensive than anything. But I'm not asking for any money.

'I'd hope that at this time everyone pulls together. We should all do whatever we can to help each other in any way.'

Antony is asking any key workers in need of PPE to email him at [email protected] to arrange collection or delivery of the items.

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