DAVID HAYE LAUNCHES RAINBOW MASK TO THANK NHS HEROES AS A THIRD OF BRITS APPRECIATE THEIR WORK MORE THAN EVER

New research reveals two in five people still feel uncomfortable being close to others without a mask

• One in four Brits believe we will be wearing face masks until 2023
• People say reusability is the most important factor when choosing a mask, even more so than medical grade
• Brits’ biggest concerns are limited fresh air on public transport, in NHS or care settings and in shops &
• David Haye’s The Black Mask Company releases a Rainbow Mask range, with 25% of the retail price being donated to NHS Charities Together and a pledge to match every order with a mask donation for NHS staff to wear to and from work

London, 14^th April 2021: Today, new research by David Haye’s The Black Mask Company has found the nation’s appreciation for the NHS has risen dramatically throughout the pandemic. A year on from the first lockdown and as non-essential shops begin to open, one in three (32%) Brits appreciate the work of NHS staff more now than ever and are keen to give back to help provide them with more comfortable working environments, which NHS Charities Together seeks to achieve.

In order to say thank you to our NHS heroes, The Black Mask Company is releasing a limited edition Rainbow Mask range, with 25% of the retail price being donated to NHS Charities Together. David Haye also pledges a mask donation to the charity to support NHS staff, volunteers and family with their mental health and wellbeing, as well as numerous other NHS causes.

DON’T LET THE SOLUTION FOR TODAY BE THE PROBLEM FOR TOMORROW

It seems masks are set to be a staple part of our wardrobe for a while yet. Research reveals most people (23%) predict we will be wearing face masks until the end of 2023. Almost one in ten (7%) think we could even be wearing them forever more!

When choosing a mask, interestingly, reusability tops the list of what people look for in a mask with almost three in five (57%) signalling its importance.

With reusability so high on Brits’ agenda, the washable and reusable 3-layer face mask provides a sustainable solution to disposable face masks, which are currently filling our oceans at a frightening rate. Globally we’re using (and discarding) 129 billion disposable face masks every month.

The new figures also reveal that eating out at a restaurant (50%), going on holiday (48%) and seeing elderly relatives (37%) has proved to be top of the list for people as they come out of lockdown. To do this with confidence, over one in three (36%) will continue wearing face masks to limit risk of spreading the virus to their loved ones. Almost half (43%) said they will continue to wear a mask to avoid a third wave as many countries in Europe are currently experiencing, with women 11% more likely to do so than men.

As restrictions on non-essential shops are lifted, 41% believe masks are key to keeping these indoor spaces open. But sharing air with others continues to be a concern, just under two in five (37%) will continue to wear a mask as they wouldn’t feel comfortable being in close proximity to others.

The top places Brits want to continue wearing a mask even if no longer mandated: 

The Black Mask Company’s flagship VP195 masks, as seen on Lewis Hamilton, features the exclusive crystal rainbow design with an optional frosting of Swarovski crystals across the entire mask. Style does not compromise performance, with the 3-layer face mask (as recommended by the World Health Organisation) utilising nano-silver technology, whilst being easily breathable and sweat absorbent to avoid ‘maskne’.

David Haye, Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Founder of The Black Mask Company, said: 

“Lockdowns and face masks are something I can’t wait to see the back of – not many of us wanted them to be mandated or for our movements to be so restricted. But whilst we take steps out of lockdown life, it’s time to give back to our NHS heroes. The Rainbow Masks are worn to honour those that have worked so hard on the frontline to protect all of us.

Last month marked one year since our first National lockdown and one year since our lives changed. In this period many have been faced with the heartbreak of losing loved ones, we have all had to adapt to a new way of life. We have also seen the strength and resilience of our NHS Heroes who have been at the forefront of the battleground fighting COVID-19 and caring for our friends and family.

We are continuing to focus on style as we bring cool, reusable and sustainable options to the market, all whilst showing our appreciation for the NHS!”

Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said:

“We are absolutely honoured to be receiving support from The Black Mask Company this year. The money raised will help us to continue to go the extra mile in supporting our NHS workers, volunteers and patients at the centre of this crisis and beyond.”

The NHS VP195 Rainbow face mask starts as £19.99 is available in two sizes and can be ordered at theblackmaskcompany.com.

Defend Yourself. Defend Others. Thank you, NHS.

*Source: Kantar Health

**Source: BBC Online