A 15-YEAR-old student has been helping NHS workers fight the coronavirus with the help of his own 3D printer.

Chris Johnson, a year 11 student at UTC Warrington, has been printing his own face shields to help protect staff on the front line, which includes members of his own family.

Since all schools closed in March, Chris, who wants to work in electrical engineering, has been balancing his time to balance between studying and helping the community.

The 15-year-old said: "I was lucky enough to be able to buy a 3D printer from money I had already saved.

"With the current pandemic, I have been thinking of ways that I could help in any way possible.

"I wanted to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS to help protect those at risk while they do vital work to save lives so I decided to 3D print face shields as I can make around 25 to 30 per day.

"This is especially important to me as many of my family are frontline workers with the NHS.

"I plan on donating the PPE to Preston and Warrington Hospitals and to primary care workers across Warrington."

UTC Warrington has recently donated PPE to Warrington Borough Council and is working with secondary schools and colleges to create more resources with 3D printers.

Amanda Downing, associate principal of UTC Warrington, said: "All of our daily routines have changed significantly.

"During these uncertain circumstances, it is heart-warming to see our young people going above and beyond to help their community.

"Chris is an inspiring ambassador for the UTC and demonstrates our values of excellence and kindness through this work he is doing.

"His technical skills are certainly being put to valuable use across the community.

"We have been working with schools, including Beamont Collegiate Academy, to aid the relief effort.

"Some of our teachers have been using the 3D printers in the UTC, and at home, to manufacture parts for the equipment that is desperately needed.

"There is a positive community spirit between schools pulling together to support our NHS."

In total, staff from 20 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across the country have been supporting the NHS.

They are donating much-needed equipment and utilising 3D printers to manufacture the metal frames for protective visors to approved specifications.

Lord Baker, chair and founder of the UTC movement, said: "It’s fantastic to see UTCs taking the initiative and using the specialist equipment to help others in a time of crisis.

"UTCs foster innovation and it’s great to staff using their technical skills and enterprising spirit for such a worthwhile cause.

"This is exactly what this country needs at the current time."

  • Chris will be appearing on Good Morning Britain with Lorraine Kelly today, Wednesday, to share his story as he continues to help the NHS frontline.