Young South Tyneside business owner praised for supporting key workers on coronavirus frontline

Josh Trueman, who owns JT Workshop, in Jarrow, spends up to 70 hours a week producing clips to protect the ears of NHS staff and carers who are wearing masks for such a length of time they develop painful sores that bleed.

And now the 20-year-old’s efforts have been recognised by the borough as part of the council’s #ProudtoSupport campaign, which highlights unsung heroes supporting South Tyneside communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: “It is extremely heart-warming to hear about the help and support that Josh is providing for some of our key workers, not only across the Borough, but across the whole country.

“It is a truly selfless act which shows true community spirit and pure kindness.

“Josh symbolises everything that our #ProudtoSupport campaign is about and I would like to thank him, on behalf of South Tyneside, for using his spare time to help those who are out there risking their own lives to save others.”

Josh set himself a target of producing 1,000 clips but soon surpassed this goal and has now produced more than 10,000 clips.

He has also purchased toiletries which are donated to hospital workers and patients whose families are unable to visit due to the ongoing lockdown.

Josh said: “It’s an extremely worrying time for businesses owners but I was determined to find a productive use of my time during lockdown. I spotted a post on Facebook asking for anybody who owns laser cutters to reach out to help the NHS and those on the frontline of the Covid-19 battle.

“I received a digital copy of the clips, specially designed at an angle to protect the ears with a heart shape in the middle that grips on to the hair at the back of the had so the glasses don’t slip around and cause abrasions.

“My mum has always taught me to look after others.

“I truly believe we’re all in this life together and we should look after one another.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.