Coronavirus: Sheffield group aims to make 10,000 masks for frontline workers

A Sheffield group hopes to play its part in the coronavirus crisis by making 10,000 masks for NHS staff and other frontline workers – but it needs your help.
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Sheffield BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee) COVID-19 was set up by various community organisations, including Mums United in Sharrow and Big Brother Burngreave to help communities across the city support each other through the pandemic.

Members have already distributed hundreds of food parcels to the city’s most vulnerable residents who are unable to leave their homes.

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One of the face shields made by members of the Sheffield BAMER COVID-19 group to protect frontline workers during the coronavirus crisisOne of the face shields made by members of the Sheffield BAMER COVID-19 group to protect frontline workers during the coronavirus crisis
One of the face shields made by members of the Sheffield BAMER COVID-19 group to protect frontline workers during the coronavirus crisis
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They are now starting to make 10,000 masks and face shields, which they plan to donate to staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and to other key workers including those at care homes.

They group already has an army of seamstresses lined up to produce the vital equipment in their homes but is trying to raise £5,000 for the material needed.

Amar Ilyas, who is a director of Mums United, said: “There are a lot of people sat at home with sewing machines who want to help, and we’re trying to harness their skills to ensure everyone has the protection they need.”

Mr Ilyas praised the efforts of the group’s many volunteers but resevered a special mention for one, Mohammed Shaibi, whose actions he said had almost certainly saved a woman’s life.

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Mohammed had been delivering food parcels in Firth Park when he became concerned for safety of a pensioner and called police. They found her seriously ill on the floor, where it is believed she had been lying for two days.