BROTHERS have joined forces to create a Covid Key to help protect people from contracting the coronavirus.

Rylie and Sam Doubleday, who live in West Bergholt, are also helping tp raise money for a cancer foundation which was set up in memory of their late cousin, Tom Bowdidge.

Rylie, 12, and Sam, 15, will donate £1 of each £3 key sold to the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation.

Tom, the charity’s inspiration and cousin to the youngsters, was just 19-years-old when he succumbed to a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma in 2013.

Since then his family and friends have been dedicated to raising funds to help provide emotional, practical and financial support to youngsters with cancer.

The charity this year hit £1million in funds raised and now the brothers are doing more to boost funds.

The pair, who are both students at Stanway School, set up a business plan to ensure they kept track of orders and funds raised.

They have already sold more than 100 Covid Keys, which can be used to open doors and flush public toilets without having to touch them by hand.

Proud dad Steve Doubleday said he had been incredibly impressed with how the brothers were coping during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “They have both been amazing during this lockdown.

“The school has been brilliant with the work that’s been set, although I am sure the kids don’t think that.

“They have settled into this new routine and have learned basic life skills such as cooking, cleaning and how to work the washing machine.”

He added: “Supporting the foundation is very dear to the boys’ hearts.

“They were both very close to Tom and miss him so much.

“The boys get involved with as much charity work as they can but particularly love helping with the Christmas fairs.

“Sadly, due to the current issues with Covid-19 the money is not coming into the foundation quickly enough.

“The boys are proud of the work the foundation does, especially the grants that are given out, and know how important these are to teenagers and their families.

“Generating much-needed funds at such a difficult time has been very special and rewarding.”

Rylie, who is charge of production, has been getting up early each day to start the 3D printer which makes the keys and keep up with new orders.

He said: “I really enjoyed looking for the right key and printing them off to get the best one.

“I enjoy keeping the printer going to make sure we have a good stock.”

Sam added: “It’s really important that we support the foundation and this will help bring in urgent funds.”

The keys can be used to open doors, press chip and pin pads and flush public toilets.

It means there is no physical contact with these sources of Covid-19 contaminants.

To order a Covid Key, message the foundation on Facebook via the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation or send a text to 07771646654.