Free masks for care home

A local care home has been given a vital supply of 100 masks, thanks to a Melksham man.

Alpine Villa in Melksham received the masks that have come all the way from China, via Richard Aylward who lives close to the care home.

He takes up the story. “A friend of mine from Taiwan, Emily (pictured), wanted to help with our response to the pandemic and so arranged to send me 100 masks direct from her cousin who works for a major mask producing company in China.

“It might not be much, but every little helps and it’s good to see people thinking of others halfway round the world when they have their own problems too. I have to say I was humbled by the gesture.

“The masks arrived on the 14th April and I spoke to Melanie at the Alpine Villa in Melksham. She confirmed they were short of PPE – masks especially.

“So today I delivered them. Melanie told me that at present they are all safe with no cases or suspected cases of Covid-19 due to the government measures they’ve implemented.

“She was very grateful for the thought that someone who was so far away in the world would be thinking of them.

“One of the very few good things to come out of this pandemic is not just the ‘coming together’ of our population and support for the key workers, but the international cooperation between countries who would previously not have spoken to each other.

“After we have got through this, I think there will be a different way and people will remember pre-corona and post-corona.

“For now, my thoughts are with all those around the world who have been touched by the virus – whether directly or in their family or circle of friends.”