So sew good - Kettering crafter's facemask fundraiser tops £10,000 for Corby hospice in memory of 'lovely' neighbour

Elaine had thought she might raise two or three hundred pounds to help the centre where her friend had received care
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A Kettering woman who took to her sewing machine during lockdown to make face masks to help the hospice that helped her late neighbour has raised a massive £10,000.

Elaine Ashby, a mobile hairdresser, had been honouring her King Street friend and long-time neighbour Alan Slow, by making, and asking for donations for, her homemade masks.

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Helped by two other volunteers, Maureen Burke and Tracy Folwell, the trio have been sewing throughout lockdown to raise money for Corby's Lakelands Hospice.

She said: "I can't believe it. People have been so generous.

"When I started this I hoped to make £200 to £300. I'd made about £1,600 worth when Maureen and Tracy joined in.

"Maureen has been on furlough and has been shielding and she's a professional machinist. She's used to doing piecework and does a hundred at a time. Without her I wouldn't have got this far."

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Elaine will return to her work as a mobile hairdresser today (Saturday, July 4) but has vowed to keep the donations page open until July 20.

Alan and Elaine at LakelandsAlan and Elaine at Lakelands
Alan and Elaine at Lakelands

She said: "I've had to extend the deadline twice and increased the target four times.

"It all started off with Alan. The day before he died he gave me £100 for a sewing machine. He was a lovely and generous man. He always said that he took me on as an extra daughter.

"He had COPD and went to Lakelands for a ten-week course and he absolutely loved it, especially the social aspect.

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Elaine, 52, has devoted her lockdown sewing with most days spending 12 or more hours in her craft room.

Maureen and Elaine - (Elaine has just been tested negative for Covid-19)Maureen and Elaine - (Elaine has just been tested negative for Covid-19)
Maureen and Elaine - (Elaine has just been tested negative for Covid-19)

Between them, the three sewers have made more than 3,500 cotton masks for use by schools, companies, care homes and individuals.

"Sewing has been my solace. I went over to Lakelands a couple of weeks ago to see where the money will go. Now I've put my name down to be a volunteer in the coffee shop. I'll help to make the teas and socialise with the patients.

"We're also planting a tree in the garden in Alan's memory. I'm very proud that we've raised this much money."

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Paul Marlow, Lakelands Fundraising manager said: "What Elaine has achieved is just incredible - over £10,000 raised from selling facemasks. Everyone at Lakelands is very proud and grateful."

Elaine with her trusty sewing machineElaine with her trusty sewing machine
Elaine with her trusty sewing machine

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