Big-hearted self-employed local man comes to aid of frontline staff

Jonathan with NHS representative Erin Evers-Doherty.

Jonathan Ellis, who runs Mr Chip NI windscreen chip and glass repairs, said he wanted to do something to “give something back” despite having had to temporarily close his own business for a period due to government restrictions.

Jonathan, who is now back up and running, was already well known to some long before the pandemic as he always offered his services free of charge to the volunteer crews from Derry charity Foyle Search & Rescue. A number of people had contacted the Journal over recent days to praise the efforts of the Cardiff native, who came to Derry in 2007 and settled in the city. He set up his own business in 2012 and is full of praise for the local customers who have helped him to make his insurance approved firm a success.

When we contacted him, a surprised Jonathan said: “I have been self-employed for eight years and as the pandemic happened I wanted to give something back to those who are spending every day risking their lives doing what they do and with Foyle Search & Rescue, they are brilliant and, I think, very under appreciated and I think they should be government funded.”

Jonathan with Christina McCallion from Foyle Search & Rescue.

Since the lockdown, Jonathan has completed around £2,500 worth of free work with over 60 repairs to windscreens on vehicles belonging to NHS hospital staff, care home staff and others on the frontline.

“I did it all within government guidelines. When I did NHS workers’ vehicles I rang them to say I was five minutes away and to unlock their vehicles, so there is no physical contact and I wear the right PPE, which is very important. I enjoy doing it, I thrive on my work and I do get a lot of job satisfaction from it,” he said.

And as an added touch, he also left air fresheners and freebies for the key workers to use. Jonathan said the workers on the frontline are amazing. “Last year they were fighting for a pay rise, now they are fighting for our lives and their lives, and are every day putting themselves at risk.”

One person he helped out posted on his Facebook page, ‘Mr Chip NI Windscreen Chip Glass repairs’: “Amazing work you are doing for the NHS and keyworkers... Much appreciated.” Another wrote: “The work he’s doing for the NHS and frontline key workers is fantastic and it is great to see a small business giving back... Jonathan you’re one in a million and your business and service is exemplary to your customers. Thank you.”