Press release from Morecambe Bay Scrubs
Morecambe Bay Scrubs is a sub-group of “FOR THE LOVE OF SCRUBS” a group of volunteer sewers making scrubs for NHS staff. The group was initially started by Ashleigh Lindall, an NHS Nurse, who works in an Accident & Emergency Department in Lincolnshire.
Sandra Lively, a retired midwife, who has lived in Halton for 30 years, wanted to do her bit during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by making a few pairs of scrubs and donating them to the staff of Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust. Sandra enquired about purchasing fabric from Standfast, Lancaster, sufficient to make 2 – 3 pairs and was ‘stunned’ when offered a donation of 1,000 metres of fabric, enough to make 300 pairs of scrubs!!
Sandra decided to take up the challenge and rounded up her band of merry sewers! Within 7 days of advertising for volunteer help via Facebook, the new ‘Morecambe Bay Scrubs’ group was formed. To date over 60 volunteers have registered and the first 60 sets of scrubs were delivered to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Thursday 16th April with another batch due to be ready the following week.
“The response has been overwhelming” said Sandra. “So many people want to participate in different ways”.
The group initially had admin support from a volunteer in Warton, but it soon became apparent that this was turning into a much bigger project than anticipated and a role that she wouldn’t be able to continue.
Linda Frankland, the village’s school secretary stepped forward to offer admin support and has been a great support liaising between Sandra and all the volunteers; arranging a schedule for collection and delivery of sewing packs to volunteers, keeping everyone updated by email and running the group’s new Facebook page “Morecambe Bay Scrubs”.
Lancastle in Halton have also given amazing support. They are cutting all the fabric into pattern pieces and packing them ready to be despatched from The Centre @ Halton, which has become the hub of the venture. From there our team of sewers collect their packs and other volunteers collect to deliver to those who may be self-isolating or unable to collect. Special thanks to Julie Johnston and her team at the Lancastle for their commitment to this project.
We have considered cross infection and written guidelines for everyone about handling the sewing packs and their contents to minimise the spread of coronavirus. Many of our sewers are self-isolating due to age or medical reasons and this is a brilliant way of enabling them to support our NHS heroes, whilst still protecting themselves.
“The community spirit has been truly inspirational” said Sandra. “We do not know how long our services may be required, but we plan to be here for as long as we are needed or until our supplies expire. Any offers of donations of fabric, sewing thread and trouser cord would be gratefully considered”.
If anyone would like to join our local volunteer group please email: haltonscrubs@outlook.com. If you are outside the local Lancaster & Morecambe area but would like any help or advice about starting your own group, please get in touch.
For more information about making a donation to UHMBT, please contact Bay Hospitals Charity by calling 01524 516064 or email: charity@mbht.nhs.uk