Fabric shop owner helps to make face masks and raises over £900 for Farleigh Hospice

Natalie Walker, a Braintree fabric shop owner, has been making face masks to help her community combat COVID-19 and has also raised over £900 for Farleigh Hospice.

Natalie has been using her own materials and funds to make the face masks and distribute them to essential workers at risk of contracting the virus.

As part of her commitment to supporting the local community through the pandemic, Natalie set up a Facebook fundraiser in aid of Farleigh Hospice, a charity close to her heart. The initial target of £50 was surpassed within hours and the current amount raised stands at £919.

This comes after her son, Daniel, raised over £2000 for Farleigh Hospice in 2019 following his inspirational litter pick around Braintree. He has since gone on to receive Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Young Litter Hero’ award for 2020 after being nominated by Braintree Council.

Reflecting on her amazing efforts, Natalie said: “I’ve been giving these masks to key workers like nurses, doctors, and to my local post office, as many of their customers are elderly and are at high risk of infection. Nurseries have also reached out to say they’d like some for when teachers and children are back in the classrooms.

It didn’t feel natural to charge for this equipment when I know how much the community needs it. My son certainly inspired me, and as a family, we do what we can to help Farleigh. The hospice cared for my mother brilliantly 5 years ago after her breast cancer diagnosis. They supported our family before and after she died in September 2015, so we like to raise what we can and contribute to the fantastic work they do.”

Alison Stevens, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice said: “Natalie’s efforts, along with her son’s fantastic fundraising achievements, are inspiring and we thank them enormously. This is yet another example of how our community is stepping up during this pandemic to support each other and support Farleigh Hospice, helping us to continue providing care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as enabling us to continue to work alongside the NHS.”

To donate to Natalie’s Facebook fundraiser, please visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/2844000759048898/