By Monica Chard
A group of inspired crafters have got together to pool their skills to sew non surgical scrubs and laundry bags for care workers.
Ross Williamson helps run a creative crafting group for the U3A. When her sister told her about a scrub hub that had been set up in Ascot who were doing their bit by sewing scrubs, Ross, self isolating in Laleham, initially began sewing for them. But before long she started wondering how much interest there would be closer to home so put feelers out amongst U3A members and friends and has now formed their own group called ’All Scrubbed Up’ which has a core of 20 volunteers who are producing scrubs for the care sector from donated sheeting and bedding, prewashed at 60C. Ross herself is passionate about recycling, so felt it was a great opportunity to recycle unwanted fabric. This has been converted imaginatively into scrubs and bags, suitable for both men and women and in a range of sizes. 80 sets have already been given to Ashford and St Peter’s hospital, which have been distributed to Medical & Support Staff as well as Patients who are “ in desperate need of clothing when admitted as an emergency”. The ladies are also making much needed scrubs for local District Nurses and local GP practices, the aim being to supply ‘individual & imaginative’ sets to as many NHS Staff and Care Givers as possible while needed, to remind them of how much they are appreciated.
Thanks to some very industrious ladies, there are now more scrubs to donate and Ross would be happy to hear from any care provider, health centre or hospice, which may have use for the scrubs.
The benefit of this activity is more than just providing much needed scrubs.
One of the volunteers told Shepperton Matters “I think if we can help in any way, especially if it saves people feeling bored or out of touch with life, this effort can only be positive in so many ways.”
The ladies may not have a twitter account or time to promote themselves on social media, but what they do have is years of sewing experience, ingenuity and a sense of humour!
If you know anyone who needs scrubs do contact Ross: rj.will@icloud.com
Ross says “This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing teamwork of all our Volunteers, Jean, Val, Martha, Kate, Marvine, Sue, Glenda, Jo, Chris, Vivienne, Linda, Annette, Chris, Helen, Diana & Jo together with the efforts of Sylvia, Dorothy & Ross”