The South Wales Freemasons have donated 3,000 face visors to more than 100 hospitals, GP practices, care homes, hospices, prisons and schools across south Wales.

The visors were sourced from Lexon Group – a Crumlin-based printing company which has been producing visors for medical and care staff on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus

Robert Payne, who is behind the initiative, said: “The Freemasons of South Wales funded 3,000 units and have distributed them to the organisations and people in the local area who need them most in the fight against Covid-19.”

Gareth Jones OBE, the head of the South Wales Freemasons, said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons of South Wales are able to play a small part in supporting the NHS staff, care workers and frontline staff who are all providing such valuable care to those in need.”

Visors have been received by organisations including St David’s Hospice Care, Lloyds Pharmacy, Ty Hafan and more.

Sally Davies, of St David’s Hospice, said: “Our local hospice and at-home nurses are desperate for them. We are so grateful to the South Wales Freemasons for this. This is wonderful – thank you so much.”

Ty Hafan’s Eleanor Prescott said: “This donation of critical equipment means we will be able to keep life-limited children and families in need safe and shielded whilst still providing them with the highest standard of care.

“PPE has been a considerable challenge to secure throughout the healthcare sector during this crisis. Without supporters, including the Masons, willing to provide us with a donation of PPE, we would struggle to meet the levels necessary, and in the worst case have to restrict our services to keep families safe.

“Thanks to them, we can go on fulfilling our purpose to help make short lives full family lives and be there for families as long as they need us.”