MAIL’S READERS DESERVE MEDALS!
As children rejoice at getting laptops, one father’s verdict:
GRATEFUL families receiving the latest Mail Force laptops thanked Daily Mail readers for their ‘unbelievable generosity’ – with one father adding: ‘They deserve medals’.
The computers will enable youngsters to avoid having to share devices with their siblings and parents, putting an end to some family tensions.
For some, they will no longer have to try to watch lessons or undertake work using the small screen of a mobile phone. Crucially, they will enable children to catch up on their learning when schools return on March 8.
The Mail Force van made its most recent delivery to Beamont Primary School in Warrington, Cheshire – which has received six devices from our charity appeal, on top of 52 given by the Department for Education.
Mail Force has raised £11million in cash and computers for its ambitious initiative from Daily Mail readers, philanthropists and leading businesses. It is supplying refurbished and new computers, as well as 150,000 Vodaphone sim cards, to help pupils access online learning.
The scheme is operating alongside the Department for Education’s own mighty drive to supply 1.3million devices.
Proudly showing off his new laptop was Jake Beswick. The seven-year-old, one of five siblings, said: ‘I feel so happy. I’m going to get loads more done.’
His mother Michelle, 36, a cleaner at Beamont Academy, said: ‘It’s really going to help us. We currently have four devices – two iPads, one large computer and one laptop.’ Husband Jason, 44, a selfemployed driving instructor prior to the pandemic but who is currently out of work, said: ‘We’d like to say a massive thank you. It means they can now have a device each so it’ll save the arguing.’
Jamie Jervis, 11, is one of nine children who live with parents Sarah, 39, and Graham, 49, who owns a gardening business.
He received his new laptop on Thursday – which came as a late birthday present as he turned 11 the day before. He will share it with younger brother Keegan, ten, whose birthday was the previous week. Mrs Jervis, a full- time mother, said: ‘Having this laptop will be a big help even after March, as the children will be able to use it for homework when they go back to class. It’s really generous and we’re really grateful. Thanks to all who donated.’
Another family benefitting are the Rowleys – parents Steve, 49, and Limara, 35, and their five children aged 4 to 13. Youngest son, Oscar, nine, proudly took delivery, and will share the Mail Force computer with brothers Tristan, ten, and Spencer, 11.
Mr Rowley, 49, a caretaker at Beamont, said of Daily Mail readers who have donated to Mail Force: ‘I’d love to shake their hands. It’s unbelievable generosity – they deserve medals.’
Jo Warburton, business manager at Beamont, which covers some of the more deprived areas of the town, said: ‘These donations are going to transform families. The majority of children who will be receiving them are using their parents’ mobile phones.
‘When people say having a laptop changes their lives, you can’t underestimate those words.’