Yuan Yuan – who studied hospitality, events and conference management at Sheffield Hallam between 2009 and 2014 – organised the donation from her employer, China Railway Hi-Tech Co. Ltd.

Yuan had the idea at a very early stage during the pandemic, when she discovered that, even for nursing students at University, there was a shortage of face masks.

After contacting the University and speaking to her employer, she was able to organise the donation. Thanks to Yuan’s efforts, the masks have arrived safely and have been used by current nursing students who are able to continue their studies as well as support the NHS.
After graduating from Sheffield Hallam, Yuan started her own business and for the last two years she has worked for her current employer.

Yuan normally works from home so, other than cancelled meetings and visits, the lockdown didn’t personally affect her too much. However, she could see other people suffering and wanted to do something to help.

Yuan said 'Once Covid-19 had spread all over the world, Chinese companies began trying to help partners, and, as I thought Sheffield Hallam might need them, I arranged for my company to donate the face masks.

'It made me feel like I was holding my former University’s hand by doing something helpful. I felt worried and like there was nothing I could do at first, so I was happy to help in this way.'