Top motorsport outfit backs effort to make scrubs for Wigan NHS staff

Charlotte Mack in one of the scrubs she has made

Williams, which is helping to produce ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic, has pledged to make a donation to Wigan Scrub Hub.

While the total amount has not yet been confirmed, the cash will be used to buy material to make more sets of scrubs for health staff.

Wigan Scrub Hub now has 45 people making protective clothing for healthcare staff.

Among the members are employees from Wigan businesses The Dressing Room and Creation Weddings, along with students and staff from Wigan and Leigh College’s fashion department.

They currently have orders for 450 sets of scrubs needed across the borough, with 40 made this week for Wrightington Hospital.

More than £1,600 has been donated to an online appeal to cover the cost of the materials.

Charlotte Mack, who is co-ordinating efforts, said: “It’s insane. To have this many people committing this much time and so many of them are not just people in their homes, but full businesses committing their staff as if they are working full-time again for free to get them made.

“We just keep going and expanding as we can.”

The scrubs are already being worn by workers and more will be needed over coming weeks and months.

Charlotte, who grew up in Standish and now lives in Salford, said: “We have already had messages coming in saying how much of a difference this will make.

“For example I had a request come through from Wigan A&E asking for 50 sets to begin with to cover their junior doctors, because they have just taken on some who were due to graduate and not one has a single set of scrubs.

“I feel very passionately about this, even more than I did at the beginning.”

To find out more or request clothing for healthcare workers, search for Wigan Scrub Hub on Facebook.

Donations to help pay for the materials needed can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/north-west-scrubs-for-our-nhs-front-liners.