Mateo’s PPE makes a pretty penny for two Lancaster causes

Local entrepreneur Mateo Sanderson has set up his own business supplying PPE to local businesses to raise money for two causes close to his heart.
Lucy Bradbury (Mateo’s PA), Mateo and Lauren (fundraising coordinator at St John’s Hospice).Lucy Bradbury (Mateo’s PA), Mateo and Lauren (fundraising coordinator at St John’s Hospice).
Lucy Bradbury (Mateo’s PA), Mateo and Lauren (fundraising coordinator at St John’s Hospice).

Mateo started selling PPE that he purchased through his parents’ business in July.

His hard work and tenacity means he has had orders of more than £3,000 so far, with all the profits being divided between St John’s Hospice and Beaumont College to help their important work continue.

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Mateo is an alumnus of Beaumont College, and he chose to support St John’s because of the connection between the college and the hospice.

Support for St John’s runs in the family, as not only is Mateo’s mum, Sharon, helping him with this project, but she volunteers with and raises money for the Hospice of her own accord, too.

Mateo is in a wheelchair and sometimes struggles with his speech, so his mum, dad, and personal assistants, Lucy and Cerie, have been helping him with his charitable business.

Mum Sharon said “You will never find a happier 23 year old than Mateo. He never says ‘no’, he never says ‘I can’t’, he’s so bright”.

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Mateo doesn’t let anything get in the way of his ambitions; the enterprising 23-year-old also volunteers at Beyond Radio and is heading back to Beaumont College, where he graduated last year, to help the new students.

He’ll also be a trustee sharing his fundraising experience, as Mateo has been raising money for charity since he was young. In 2012 his work for Children in Need even saw him carry the Olympic Torch through Garstang!

Mateo’s main motivation with starting his business was “to help the community out” and lots of local businesses have got their supply of PPE through Mateo, from small local hairdressers to Morecambe FC.

Mateo said: “When we first went into a national lockdown in March, I made the decision to start selling PPE with the hope to donate the profits to two worthy charities - Beaumont College and St John's Hospice in Lancaster.

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"These are two amazing organisations that have developed and helped many people over many years. By selling my face masks and hand sanitisers, I have already been able to raise a great amount of money for both Beaumont College and St John’s Hospice! I hope I can continue to do this for them.”

He sells masks and hand sanitiser in four different volumes, from 50ml bottles, perfect for popping in your pocket, to huge five litre bottles for businesses, and Mateo also delivers all his orders personally!

Lauren Kelsall, fundraising coordinator at St John’s Hospice, said: “We’ve had to cancel a lot of our big fundraisers this summer, so we’ve been relying on our wonderful community to keep the hospice going.

"Mateo’s support is so welcome, and what an appropriate way to replace some of the money we’ve missed out on because of Covid-19! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Mateo, he’s a lovely guy and an inspiration, and we hope to continue supporting him in all his endeavours.”

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Becca Oughton, education transition coordinator at Beaumont College, added: “It is absolutely fantastic that Mateo has set up this PPE business as a result of the current pandemic and we could not be prouder of him at Beaumont College.

"When he first came to college, Mateo found it difficult to assert himself and had a lot of anxiety, over his time with us we have watched him grow into the much more confident young man that he now is.

"The fact that he wants to give back and raise money for his local community really is testament to his character. Beaumont College and St John's Hospice have worked together closely for several years so it is lovely that Mateo has chosen to support us both in this way.

"The money will be used to enhance the student’s experiences across their whole college programme, from social, leisure to learning activities. All purchases will be led and agreed by the Student Union at Beaumont College, of which Mateo used to be a member”

If you’re interested in getting your PPE from Mateo, you can email [email protected] or call 07890776690 or visit facebook.com/mateosandersonppe