At its peak, Harrogate Scrubbers had 800 members making scrubs for hospital staff during the first covid lockdown. The group worked frantically and in just six weeks, 2037 scrubs were handed over to front line staff at Harrogate District Hospital.
It was an extraordinary community response to a health crisis and a serious shortage of PPE supplies.
To celebrate and remember their achievement, scrubbers were invited to sew a square of fabric for a quilt. Each was asked to detail what it meant to them to be part of the sewing group. The squares have been made into five beautiful quilts. The scrubbers founder, Fran Taylor, has also created a book with photos of the squares and each group member’s memories.
Tonight, the group will gather at the Pavilions of Harrogate to see the quilts on display in what is expected to be an emotional event.
Fran explained,
“The experience of being part of the Harrogate Scrubbers meant so much to so many people, that we wanted to commemorate the groups achievements, and also give everyone something to remember for the part they played supporting the NHS in the pandemic”
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One of the five completed quilts (above) and below an excerpt from Fran’s book.
Lisa Sumpton from Harrogate, who two years ago was in charge of logistics for the scrubbers, said:
“It’s just nice to see all the squares that have been lovingly made by individuals- to represent a moment when a community came together to something good at a time of great uncertainty”.
The contribution the scrubbers made to support the NHS and its staff locally has not been forgotten.
Sammy Lambert, the business development, charity and volunteer manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said:
“It does feel surreal two years on. Unless you lived through the time and felt the community spirit, it’s hard to explain.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Fran and all the scrubbers for helping us to do our jobs at such a difficult time”
Tonight the scrubbers will come together, many having formed friendships through the project, they’ll raise a glass to each other and be formally thanked by Sarah Armstrong, Chair of Harrogate Hospital Trust for their wonderful work during the pandemic.
