Worthing blogger Chizzy appeals for laptops to help schools in lockdown

Steve Chiswell, better known as Chizzy to his 23.7k Instagram followers, is working with electronics business ITech to collect laptops for schools in Worthing, his home town.

Chizzy rose to fame on social media five years ago after he started making videos about teaching his two daughters to cook.

SEE ALSO: Worthing man sells his business to become a full-time blogger

But the 39-year-old is also well known in the town for his work to support the community.

He said: "I know some schools are desperate for more laptops so we're doing this shout out to help people out.

"We've had a good response so far but I'm appealing to anyone with an old device they no longer need.

Chizzy outside Thomas A Becket Junior School in Worthing

"I'm very fortunate in being able to provide my kids with a device each but I can see it being a problem.

"Some families have two or three children at home with only one device between them so it's a big issue, especially when their homework has to be handed in at the same time."

Chizzy has so far sent donated laptops to Orchards Junior School and Thomas A Becket Junior School in Worthing, with more on the way to Durrington Middle School.

He is working with electronics repair shop ITech Centre in Warrick Street, Worthing, who are wiping the laptops and getting them ready to be taken to schools.

He said: "The government will only fund up to 60 laptops which is just not enough for the hundreds of pupils at some of these schools.

Mena Gabber, who owns the ITech Centre in Worthing

"All the laptops we are collecting will have stickers on so the schools can thank people for their donation.

"We're just giving a bit of help to those who are struggling, so any support would be amazing."

After 18 years in removals, Chizzy sold his business in 2019 to become a full-time video blogger.

READ MORE: Worthing blogger Chizzy is on a mission to help the homeless

Before the pandemic he would give virtual tours around restaurants in Sussex on Instagram, as well as sharing videos from cooking lessons with his two daughters, Fifi and Ruby.

He is now using some of his spare time to collect and distribute the laptops, and said anyone who wants to donate a device can contact him on Instagram @chizzy_sussex_food_vlogger.

Donations can also be made to the ITech Centre, but people are asked to call ahead to arrange a drop-off time on 01903 539 408.