Mum’s facemask Mind fundraiser

Caroline Nielsen, of Wetherby, said she was inspired to make facemasks after seeing people trying to prevent catching coronavirus.

The mum of two said: “At the start of lock down I was aware that facemasks were selling quickly.

“I started to see more and more people trying to cover their faces with scarfs masks etc so I thought I would make some for friends.

“I had a few left over so I offered them to my neighbours, leaving them outside in a box and telling them to help themselves.

“One of the neighbours left a donation so I thought I’d give it to a charity.”

Caroline, who works for Harrogate-based Beaucare Medical which supplies services to nursing homes, made 91 masks in seven days and has been helped by her local school.

“I started to run out of fabric so I asked Wetherby High if they could help,” added Caroline, who taught sewing in secondary schools and evening classes at Wetherby High.

“I knew from teaching evening classes there that they had lots of fabric, thread and elastic.

“I’m a parent Governor at the High School so I knew they would be more than happy to help.”

She added: “The design has changed over the week, based on what people have requested.

“The masks have two layers of fabric so can be washable.

“They also have an opening (or a pocket) so people can put filter paper in.

“I also make smaller ones for children. I try to use fun fabric and soft ribbon for them.”

Caroline said she chose Mind to raise funds for after news features.

“There was a lot in the news about self isolation and lockdown affecting peoples mental health.

“I have had family and friends with mental health issues in the past and being able to do exercise/classes and get out has helped (which is now more difficult).

“Even though there has been much debate in the media about whether wearing a face mask is beneficial or not, people who were asking for them said they “gave them piece of mind” and felt “a little less exposed.”

Caroline, who has previously made and sold bags and other gifts at craft fairs and taught DT for over 10 years, added: “I’m happy to keep making them as long as they are wanted.

“I’d love to get over the 100!”

Anyone who would like to donate can go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caroline-nielsen1