For the love of scrubs: meet the team

Following on from Amy Victoria Gathercole’s article, Find out more about those involved in For the Love of Scrubs…

EMMA BARTLETT

The lady in charge of fundraising and fabric!

Why did you get involved?

“I saw a message from a lady on the main FTLOS page that said she was 73 and in the first lockdown group. She felt utterly useless to society and helpless. Making scrubs had given her purpose and a place to be useful. I’m doing it for people that use and are using sewing as their escape from a strange time, a chance to feel useful, keep their mental health in check, contributing to a terrible situation that they can’t control. This is something that they can do something about.

“Also for those that aren’t in the NHS (weirdly) that find themselves redeployed in care situations with no protection or training doing tough jobs that are taking them out of their comfort zone.”

AALIYA BISHOP

Our secret weapon and NHS and frontline liaison.

Why did you get involved?

“When I joined, I had the cheeky hope I could make a few scrubs and try to spot them in the wild when I next went to the hospital. Bizarre. Then when I connected with my fellow volunteers, I could feel the drive to help and to actually DO something from the cage their homes had become. I could connect to that feeling. It made sense and helping everyone to feel motivated and empowered is its own reward. Seeing and hearing the smiles and relief in frontline workers voices when I speak with them, well I feel privileged to be doing
what I’m doing”.

AMY GATHERCOLE

Handles the press, manages the Facebook group and files (Oh and occasionally gets time to sew…)

Why did I get involved?

“I saw a post online and became involved in the national
movement that was started by an NHS nurse (Ashleigh Linsdell in Lincolnshire) because I felt inspired.

This is a time where people are stepping up and supporting their communities in so many ways. I’m very creative, I love to sew, make many of my own clothes and knew that in joining this movement, I could put my skills and my time to good use. The three of us organising this effort locally are proud to help and support with the Facebook group, fundraising promotions and organising all of the offers of help that are flooding in. We’re just thrilled to be able to help and truly make a difference and let so many others work together on this community effort to support our local heroes. I am really enjoying seeing so many strangers come together & contribute their time & skills for such a worthy cause.”

Katie Williamson and sewing machine.

“Meet Sally Singer, she’s about 115 years old and sewn uniforms through WW I and WW II, so it seems only fitting that she’s now helped through the war on coronavirus too! Her bobbin reel is made of a bullet casing!

Before I got her 10 years ago, she was owned by several generations of seamstresses in one family. Truly amazing, I’m honoured every time I sew with her.”

Andie Welsher – Ilkeston

“I work in Hospitality, or at least I used to! Being laid off with no money and plenty of time on my hands and having taught sewing to adults and children for 10 years I knew I needed to help the only way I could by sewing scrubs. I spent my last £70 on fabric and set to it. Our NHS needs us and I’m happy to be there for them in my own little way.”

 

Barbara Miller – The Meadows

“I owe the NHS so much. They looked after me in isolation for over 3 months and saving my (hideously infected) right foot. They also patiently dressed the leg ulcer for over 2 years. During this virus crisis, the Yarncraft Group I’ve run for many years is on furlough. I was hoping to find a way to support the NHS which didn’t require money (I’m on Benefits!) and I’m so happy to think I can help in my own little way. The people in this group are amazing – so generous with time, materials and effort. It’s also really lovely when the NHS people who receive the kit post their photos.”

Georgia James – Beeston

“I’m two and a half months away from graduation and three and a half months away from starting work in the hospital itself. Waiting when I could be helping is frustrating as heck since I’ve done pretty much all the learning (waiting for final exams now), so this is my way of contributing in the interim.”

 

 

 

Joy Taylor – Bestwood

“After seeing someone else’s Facebook post I thought I’d give making scrub bags a go. I haven’t really sewed properly since having children and I miss having a hobby for myself. It’s been great to have some time to myself during the lockdown, where I can guilt-free have space from 3 kids to do something for myself and for others. Double win!”

Sarah Morris – Nuthall

“Making the patient/relative hearts is particularly important to me. As a nurse, the aim is to save a life, but if that isn’t possible it is to make someone’s death as peaceful as possible. This virus is taking away the ability for staff to do this with families not being able to be present.

If having a small heart token takes away some of that pain it’s a tiny part I can play.”

Click here to donate.

AVG