A RETIRED Bolton bus driver has developed his own low-cost sanitiser for use in local hospitals.

Colin Lowe, 61, was in the final stages of establishing his new business concentrating on manufacturing freezable gel to help alleviate back pain when coronavirus began to spread across the country.

Colin’s original product has been in development for more than a decade after he experienced a back injury in 2009 and wanted to find a better alternative to frozen peas and ice packs.

Using only three ingredients, Colin developed his sanitiser with academic support from Professor Mohsen Miraftab and a team of researchers and medics at the University of Bolton following an introduction from GC Business Growth Hub.

Colin said: “It broke my heart seeing footage of nurses and care home workers crying because of the lack of provisions and the pressures they faced earlier this year.

“After seeing the cost of sanitiser triple in some cases as a result of coronavirus, I decided I had to do my bit and help out.

“It’s been a pleasure to bring together a team of experts who have helped me to tweak my original product concept and create a lower cost but high grade sanitiser option for medical services.”

With support from a local investor, Colin has already manufactured nearly 1,000 litres of the new sanitiser, which is being gifted to Bolton Hospice and a number of local care homes. He is also hoping to secure a deal for the longer-term manufacture and supply of both the sanitiser and his original gel and is talking directly with the procurement team for one of the UK’s four major supermarket brands.

Professor Miraftab, said: “I’ve worked with Colin over the past few years to develop his cool pack and he’s always been very determined and enthusiastic about the project. I’ve a lot of respect for him and it’s great that he’s not only identified this new opportunity but also taken it by the hands and created a new sanitiser gel. We’re very happy with the results. His genuine personality and work ethic is truly remarkable.”

Richard Jeffery, director of business growth at GC Business Growth Hub, added: “Colin’s story is a heart-warming example of the role that business can play in giving back to local communities.”