South Shields mum has made over 100 headbands and 200 laundry bags for NHS frontline workers

In less than a week, Marie Scott has made more than 150 headbands and 200 laundry bags for NHS workers following an appeal for help from volunteers.

The 46-year-old, who worked at the Dunes in South Shields, was place on furlough and decided to use her new free time to support those fighting on the frontline.

Her daughter, Bethany McCallum, who is a third-year nursing student, suggested the idea after seeing an appeal for headbands and laundry bags.

“My daughter’s not on the frontline but one day she will be and I know a few people that work at the hospital so I wanted to help in anyway I could.” said Marie, who lives in South Shields.

“I’ve had requests from care homes too, so anyone who is in need should get in touch.

“I’ve had some lovely messages back from hospital staff who have got them. They’re really grateful.”

The headbands help make necessary PPE masks more comfortable – the elastic strings of the mask are looped around buttons on the headbands rather than behind their ears.

After making hundreds of the much-needed items for the NHS, Marie is running out of elastic for the headbands and is struggling to get a hold of any more.

She’s asked if anyone can donate any elastic to get in touch with her via Facebook.

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