Darlington Businesses Answer MP’s Call For Primary School Laptops

The Darlington MP made the appeal after learning that a number of pupils from the primary school on Coleridge Gardens did not have as many devices as they would have liked to enable remote learning during the third national coronavirus lockdown.

Darlington and locally-based businesses, Hellens Group, Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Recognition PR, and Wharton Construction, have answered the call and, between them, have agreed to source and donate 12 brand new devices to the school.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of local developer, Hellens Group, which is donating five laptops said: “We are delighted to be able to support the local community in any way we can. Community is at the heart of our work at Hellens Group and children are at the heart of the community.”

Elizabeth Armstrong, managing director at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, which is donating three laptops to Skerne Park Primary and a further three to Darlington Education Village, added: “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt nowhere more keenly, than by children and young people who have been asked to sacrifice so much. It’s essential that they are, at least, afforded the opportunity to continue their learning. We are very pleased to be able to help.”

Matthew Wharton, Director of Wharton Construction, donating two laptops, said: “We are pleased to be donating laptops to help primary school students in Darlington to keep connected and be able to continue to learn throughout lockdown.”

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, said: “I’d like to thank these businesses from the bottom of my heart, I know that it’s going to make a big difference to the children.

“I’ve been working very closely with a number of schools, Darlington Borough Council and a number of other businesses and charities to ensure local children have access to learning. I have also met with Minister Nick Gibb to press the case for schools in Darlington have all the devices that they need.

“Already in Darlington more than 1,000 devices have been delivered by the Department for Education.

“Children and young people across Darlington are being asked to sacrifice so many things during this lockdown – it’s vital that preserving the life chances afforded by education is not one of them, particularly in the most deprived areas of our town.”

Businesses interested in contributing to Peter’s appeal can contact peter.gibson.mp@parliament.uk for more information.