Sheffield sewing group donates 600 masks to Rotherham Hospital charity

They put their sewing machines to good use to make face masks, adaptors and scrubs for NHS staff.

Founder Sally Atkinson, patient access service manager at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, donated 600 masks to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

The masks were so popular, the charity raised £525.13 for the Rotherham NHS Superheroes appeal.

Sally said: “Since the group started, we have delivered more than 25,000 items to hospitals, GP practices, care homes, carers, pharmacies, schools, homeless shelters, food banks and community groups across Sheffield and Rotherham, including to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

“There has been such an unprecedented demand for face masks in particular, we have been overwhelmed. The sewing group has been incredibly busy not just sewing but managing our Facebook and Go Fund Me pages, appealing for fabric and elastic and delivering orders.

"We’ve worked hard to fulfil orders from all over South Yorkshire. This was our way of helping the NHS and our colleagues when they really need it the most and we’re delighted the mask sale was so popular.

“The project has helped the group members just as much as those we have sewn items for. Many of our members have expressed how much being a part of this friendly and uplifting community project has helped them through the last few months.

"It has given many, who were themselves shielding or furloughed, a positive focus during a difficult time. They all gave their time and a lot of their own resources to make the project a success too.”

In April 2020, the charity launched the Rotherham NHS Superheroes appeal, encouraging the public to support the town’s NHS staff through the coronavirus crisis.

Since then, the it has received more than £20,000 in donations from generous individuals, community groups and businesses. The money will fund resources for staff in the community and at Rotherham Hospital, such as access to mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Martin Havenhand, chairman of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The support we have seen from individuals, businesses and community groups like the Help for Healthcare Workers sewing group during the Covid-19 pandemic has been incredible.

If anyone would like to sew more masks for the charity, please get in touch on 01709 426821 or [email protected].

Live blog: PM makes promise about Christmas

Machete man injured in shop robbery

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.