A former Rydal Penrhos pupil has set up a special group for NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Shaswath Ganapathi, who held the position of head boy at the school in 2015/16, is a medical student, and along with Faye Bate, another medical student from Ysgol John Bright school, have set-up a Facebook page designed to offer support and practical help to healthcare workers who need assistance.

He has recruited dozens of volunteers to the scheme, which aids those critical workers employed by the National Health Service will day-to-day things such as childcare and grocery shopping as they work long hours to combat Covid-19.

Shaswath, said: “More health care workers may face last-minute changes to rotas/schedules. Over the next couple of months childcare may become more strained – and thus having a network of support in place will become essential.

“Medical schools across the country have suspended most placements and are moving to online teaching. This is leaving a lot of us with time on our hands and the ability to help where we can.

“Most students will be DBS checked and reasonably responsible human beings, many of whom will have babysitting/tutoring experience.

“If you are a healthcare worker who lives or works in Conwy, Denbighshire or Gwynedd and need help with childcare (or even non-human care such as pet walking, feeding etc) please join our group.”

Anyone wishing to join the group, or for more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/498088910873802/.