Alex Courts has been doing his bit for the NHS by making PPE visors using his 3D printer.  

“He got a printer in October as a birthday present from the whole family,” said his mum Donna. “He was desperate for one for a long time as he had used it at school. His grandparents, we and his sister all clubbed together for his birthday.”

Alex, 11, who attends Belmont prep school in Mill Hill, has been working with his DT teacher, Mr Perrin, to create the visors.

The printer takes 22 hours to make just two, and he’s careful to wear gloves and a mask when he’s handling them. 

“I like helping people. I’ve made about 40 masks so far. I like that there is no limit [to what can be created],” said Alex.

“It’s not something he’d brag about. It didn’t even occur to him that he’s being doing something so great for someone else,” said Donna. 

“He’s a good Jewish boy, and he should be proud.” 

Alex also took the initiative after he found out that available masks were putting too much pressure on his local GP’s ears. He searched online and found a design for an extender that helps to ease the pressure, printed it and delivered it to his GP. 

He’s also made presents for his friends and family, including a keyring for his grandad’s birthday as well as pen pots and guitar picks. 

“People are now phoning him up asking if he can make things for them, and he says, ‘Yes no problem!’ It’s lovely to make people happy but to also do good with it,” said Donna.