An Arborath pensioner has downplayed her efforts to bring some comfort to health workers across the country, saying it is “the least I can do”.
Kay Wilson, who is in her seventies, has been making headbands for nurses and doctors, designed to alleviate some of the irritation wearing a mask all day may bring.
The hairbands include buttons that can be used to keep the mask in place, rather than have the mask’s bands resting on the user’s ears.
But Kay has run out of buttons, so hopes people can donate some so she can continue her work.
Leicester Royal Infirmary posted an appeal for the headgear on social media, which was spotted by Kay’s daughter Jackie.
Jackie, who lives in Australia, forwarded the appeal to to her mother, who has been self isolating because of the coronavirus.
Kay began making them with Leicester in mind, but came to realise they may be of use locally as well and is keen to donate them to anyone who is interested.
She said: “Who would have thought I could do anything to help? But it turns out I can.
“I am not allowed to go out. This is just me doing my bit.
“The masks that they (nurses and doctors) have to wear must get really hot and sweaty after working all day so the hairbands help with that, taking some of the material away from their skin.
“I have made some and sent them to some friends – one is a paramedic and one works in a care home.
“I had some feedback that they are a bit hot, so I am tweaking it a bit to make that better.
“But I am running out of buttons. Maybe there are people out there who can help donate some?
“It used to be that houses always had buttons, they would keep them when throwing out old clothes, but that doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore.
“I hope to send some to Ninewells and some care homes in the area once I get buttons to make more.
“I have bought some online, but the delivery seems to be taking a while because of everything that is going on.
“It’s precious little, but I just want to do my bit.
“I am just going to keep making them as long as I have the materials to make them, or this whole thing is over.”
