Mum galvanises support to make vital scrubs for St Nicholas Hospice Care
Much-needed hand-made scrubs will be on their way to St Nicholas Hospice Care after a Bury St Edmunds woman launched a campaign.
Jo Birch, whose husband John died at the hospice in July 2015, has raised more than £850 in two days and inspired a host of volunteers to get sewing.
After an annual fund-raising day Jo is involved with was cancelled due to coronavris, she contacted the hospice to ask what the ward needed.
When staff said they needed scrubs, syringe driver bags and something to wear with surgical masks to soothe sore ears, Jo said while she knew she could not sew she could find willing volunteers.
She got in touch with the West Suffolk Hospital scrubs sewing group, which offered patterns and advice, and set up a Sew for St Nicholas group on Facebook.
Immediately, people started offering to help or donate.
Now, 130 sets of scrubs, syringe driver bags and surgical mask ‘ear savers’ are under way for the hospice, while masks have been made for a care home.
Each set of scrubs costs £5, with Jo and John’s daughter Madeleine, eight, donating her £20 birthday money to get the ball rolling.
“People have been so generous and it’s just snowballed,” said Jo.
“Then I started getting messages from local care homes saying they needed masks made for visitors, so we made 30 and delivered those too.”
Any money left over from the scrubs will be spent on items the ward needs.
“Whatever they need, we will do our best to source it and get it to them,” said Jo.
The hospice is a cause close to Jo’s heart as John spent seven weeks there.
She said the care he received allowed her to be his wife again, rather than his nurse, and gave them time to make precious memories.
“It is the friendliest and happiest place,” said Jo. “The staff are doing so much but allow you and all your family to enjoy time together again. The support they gave me and my family then and since is phenomenal,” said Jo.
“At this time, kindness is going a long way and it is what the world needs. There is so much kindness at the hospice.”
John celebrated his birthday while at the hospice.
“That day, John turned to me with tears in his eyes and said he’d never thought he could be so happy and loved. The hospice helped to give him that,” added Jo.
George Chilvers, St Nicholas Hospice Care community fund-raising manager, said: “Throughout the Covid-19 crisis we have been inundated with messages of support and good wishes from our community. We are indebted to everyone for their continued kindness.
“Joanna has always been a brilliant supporter of the hospice and we are grateful that she has chosen to offer her help again.
“Her latest idea, which involves making scrubs, is doing something positive and shows true community spirit during these difficult times.”
To donate or get involved, go to the Sew for St Nicholas group on Facebook or email jobirch90@hotmail.com
