In the three weeks since the Harrogate Scrubbers launched, the group has swelled to nearly 700 members, raised £16, 594 and delivered 445 scrubs to Harrogate District Hospital. In fact, such has been the success of the group, that it has found sourcing supplies and getting packs out to so many volunteers challenging.

Harrogate Scrubbers was set up by Fran Taylor, a maths teachers at St John Fisher High School in Harrogate after she heard about a national shortage of PPE. She said being a part of Harrogate Scrubbers has helped give people a sense of purpose:

“I never dreamed we would inspire the community so much, but the response has been truly amazing! We have people cutting out packs, sewing, delivering packs, there really is a role for anyone.

It isn’t just helping the NHS, it has given a lot of people a purpose and is helping their mental health in isolation. Everyone can chat on the group, ask for help and then showcase their work. It has become a little community and one I am proud to have started.”

PPE being delivered to Harrogate Hospital

A whole host of companies have become involved to help the Scrubbers out with some of their logistical problems. Architects Bowman Riley, printers Enid Taylor and interior designers Blue Sky Design in Boston Spa all helped printing patterns for the volunteers.

Bettys & Taylors Group, through their community recycling project the Cone Exchange, and Harrogate Cook Ltd sourced them 1,000 paper carrier bags on the day the request went out.

Reusable nappy makers Totsbots donated waterproof fabric, design company Standout Media provided the group with a new logo, which will be followed by a website and social media support, and finally Hotel Chocolat in Harrogate donated bags of chocolates to go out in the packs to thank volunteers.

For information on how to donate to Harrogate Scrubbers visit: https://tinyurl.com/harrogatescrubbers

More than 400 protective visors and 200 pairs of safety goggles have been delivered to key workers thanks to schools in Harrogate.

Harrogate Grammar School’s design department has created the visors in less than a week, delivering first to Mowbray Square Medical Centre and then to Harrogate District Hospital.

Meanwhile, Ashville College has raided the store cupboard in its science department and handed over goggles to be used on the front line.

Richard Marshall, Headmaster of Ashville College, said: “I’d much sooner they were being used, now, by staff in our local hospital, rather than being sat in a cupboard for the foreseeable future.

“Whilst Ashville may be physically closed, it doesn’t stop us from supporting the community that we have been proud to be a part of for over 140 years.”

At Harrogate Grammar School, production on the visors will continue at a rate of 200 per day for as long as they are needed. It has received requests from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, care homes and a consultant in Leeds.

To increase production, the school has now shared the 2D cutting file with Leeds-based schools in the Red Kite Learning Trust. Support has also been offered by the fire service to get as many visors out to where they are needed as possible, while staff at Harrogate District Hospital have sent a message of appreciation, pictured.

A spokesman for Harrogate Grammar School said: “The added benefit of these visors is that they are 100% plastic so can be cleaned and reused whereas others are disposable. They are also fully adjustable, allowing for no gaps around the head therefore heightening safety.

“Harrogate Grammar School are delighted to be able to support local critical workers and help save lives.”