A group of over 1,000 sewers from across Stamford, Rutland and Lincolnshire have come together to support NHS and healthcare workers by making scrubs, hats, wash bags and paramedic bags for medics during the pandemic.

The initiative, which is part of the national 'For the Love of Scrubs – Our NHS Needs You' campaign, is locally led by Miriam Spring Davies alongside Jo Winterbourne, Bex Key, Lucy Thornton-Reid and Beck Rogers.

Miriam, Head of Wardrobe at the Stamford Shakespeare Company at Tolethorpe, was enthused to set up the local group when she was contacted by a medic friend in need of an extra set of scrubs and a wash bag.

Swapping Shakespearian costumes for scrubs and other PPE, the group of volunteers has grown rapidly and now exceeds over 1,000.

Miriam said: "Scrubs are being used more than ever in hospitals, care homes and hospices in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"It's absolutely incredible to be able to find a way of supporting our hard-working healthcare staff. Our volunteers are all giving their time freely and are using their fabulous skills to make garments that will have a real impact to those working on the frontline during COVID-19."

Beck Rogers, who runs the groups social media, has received photos and posts from healthcare professionals in their scrubs, with notes of thanks to the volunteers.

Doctor Jon James from Nottingham Hospital wrote: "Many thanks to all the volunteers @FTLOS_RutLincs who have made these amazing scrubs for us. Your hard work & skill is much appreciated."

Protective clothing and wash bags have been provided to 28 hospitals, hospices and care homes across the region, and as far as London and North Yorkshire.

To date, the team have sewn and provided 1,462 NHS and healthcare workers with a set of scrubs, a hat, headband, and wash bag each, and since starting 9 weeks ago they have received orders for 11,424 garments.

As well as providing adults with scrubs, this week the team fulfilled a specialist request from Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, who care for children with mental health and learning disabilities and needs.

Staff at CPFT explained: "There are children on the ward finding it difficult to understand why the staff are wearing scrubs and masks, where usually it would be a more relaxed atmosphere on the ward."

The sewing enthusiasts made and provided scrubs for the children as a way to make them feel more at ease, and help them understand the situation.

The volunteer-led group have been generously supported and resourced by local companies including The Stamford Sewing Shop, Sukies Party Emporium, Precision Workwear Ltd and Morrisons Stamford.

Virgin Breakfast Radio DJ, Chris Evans and his son, Noah made national press with their fundraising for sewing initiatives, generously donating £7K of fabric to the group.

Another fabric donation was made by fashion house Paul Smith (Nottingham) With the help of Lucy Thortnon-Reid, the teams fundraiser, financial donations and support has been given by local charities such as Stamford Kiwanis (200 scrubs), the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Freemasons along with the Masonic Charitable Foundation (2K), and a number of individual givers on the groups JustGiving page.

Bex Key, responsible for creating media and graphics content, including maps for drop-off and collection points across the counties, said:"The community that has built up around this cause is a wonderful example of the willingness of people to do whatever they can to help, if they are given the opportunity and facility.

"Some of our volunteers have dusted off half-forgotten skills and others have learned from scratch. We have drivers, pattern cutters, Box Buddies, and people delivering to those who are shielding, as well as those sewing. It really has been humbling to see it grow."

The groups head of logistics and distribution, Jo Winterbourne said: "The need for scrubs and protective clothing is still great and we've received over 11,000 orders for garments from establishments across the region."

The work of the volunteers has been phenomenal and their time, talent and dedication has made a tangible difference to NHS and frontline workers. The colours, patterns and playfulness of some of the scrub creations has also led to positive and joyful appreciation from healthcare staff.

If you would like to learn more about the group, learn how to sew or make a personal donation, please follow the links below. Thank you.

Facebook @For the Love of Scrubs Stamford, Lincs/Rutland https://bit.ly/2yrrGcn

Twitter @FTLOS_RutLincs

Financial Donations https://bit.ly/35uoZm

For volunteering, resources donations or scrub requests Jo Winterbourne [email protected]