Mingtao Fu

Exeter postgraduate researcher is Hospiscare Hero

A University of Exeter postgraduate researcher and teaching assistant has made an extraordinary donation of 3000 facemasks to help Hospiscare doctors and nurses in Devon provide compassionate end of life care during the coronavirus crisis.

Mingtao Fu works at the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and felt so moved by the coronavirus healthcare situation that he wanted to make a personal contribution to the Devon community.

Mingtao said: “I heard about the lack of face masks as the coronavirus pandemic started to spread in the UK. As a member of the University of Exeter, I felt I had a responsibility and wanted to do what I could to help people in the local community. I knew the university would help find a good use for them and I’m delighted they have been valuable to Hospiscare. I sincerely wish that people stay safe and well in Exeter.”

The University of Exeter Global Partnerships team and Technical Services helped with the logistics and ensured the safe and smooth delivery from China to the Hospiscare team in Devon. The University team were also able to provide gloves and aprons to the adult hospice charity who provide expert support, resources and personalised specialist care for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Andrew Randall, Chief Executive at Hospiscare said: “I want to send a very special thank you to Mingtao, the University of Exeter and indeed everyone who has come together to support us during this difficult time. We have been in real need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect our doctors and nurses as they continue to care for local people living with a terminal illness, both on our ward and in patients' homes. Our community has not let us down and I thank Mingtao for his generous personal donation.”

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter said: “I am so proud of Mingtao and the University colleagues who have made this donation possible to Hospiscare. Everyday there is an example of how colleagues and students have gone above and beyond to help the wider community and it is vital that we continue to work together as one community and one world to get through this coronavirus crisis.” 

Mingtao Fu is a postgraduate researcher and teaching assistant at the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. He joined the University in 2018 and works with Engineering Management expert Dr Miying Yang to research areas such as sustainable business models and business ecosystems in manufacturing industries.

Date: 30 April 2020