A group of volunteers called the Sewing Crow-Bees have been making fabric face masks and other items for the local community to raise money for their chosen charities.
Initially in the first lockdown they were asking for donations towards NHS Charities Together, raising £1,500.
Upon learning that the annual Crowborough Hospital Fete could not go ahead this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they were determined to do as much as possible to make-up loss of income. They also made special poppy themed items raising over £2,000 for the Royal British Legion appeal.
At the weekend they announced on the Sewing Bees Facebook page that they have reached their target of £15,000. Alison Cousins said:
We’re absolutely over the moon that we have reached our target! It’s given us a real boost at the end of what has been a terrible year. We’re all extremely proud of what we have achieved.
At the end of July, Nus Ghani MP awarded them a Wealden Hero Award.
During pandemic they extended their range to include mask extenders, bags, twiddle mitts for people living with dementia. The masks and other useful items were available from local shops, and the group also ran a number of pop-up stalls and held a raffle.
The Friends of Crowborough Hospital have said money will be used to purchase more hybrid power mattresses for Crowborough Hospital. These specialist mattresses enable nurses to look after patients with more complex needs, thereby reducing the time these patients have to be treated in acute hospitals and permitting them to be transferred to Crowborough Hospital and cared for closer their homes.
For more information, follow them on social media: www.facebook.com/sewingcrowbees/
Well done Sewing Bees. Wow a fantastic outcome for a very worthy cause.