A member of the Radiology team at Epsom Hospital is supporting the hospital’s dedicated charity and helping members of the public to stay safe from COVID-19 by crafting bespoke face masks in her spare time.
In just a few weeks Radiology Two-Week-Referral Co-ordinator Helen Bullen has already made and sold her target of 1,000 face masks – with profits going to Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity.
Helen began selling the face masks after making some for her two daughters and receiving requests from friends. She said: “I wanted to make fun masks for my daughters so that they wouldn’t feel anxious wearing one. After sharing photos on social media, I was inundated with requests from friends to make more. I thought why not, I love sewing and I find it really relaxing making masks after a busy shift at the hospital.
“As a member of the team at Epsom and St Helier and also as a local resident, I wanted to give something back and do something to support my colleagues during the pandemic.
On choosing to raise money for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, Helen added: “Everyone, from those working directly with patients with COVID-19 to those in administrative roles, has been working incredibly hard during the pandemic. Throughout this, our local communities have been amazingly generous – raising money for us and donating gifts and goods to our charity that have made a very real difference to us.”
Deputy Chief Executive Dr Ruth Charlton said: “We are so touched that after a busy shift at Epsom Hospital, Helen would give up her time to make these amazing masks to raise money for our charity. We owe her a huge thank you!
“Our staff have done an incredible job in caring for patients and helping to keep others safe during the pandemic, and Helen’s generous offer is testament to the commitment and passion of our staff.”
Some of the most popular patterns have included spots, bees, pugs and stripes, and Helen also has several child friendly fabrics for facemasks, including footballs, flamingos and pirate skulls.
The face masks are made to order and available in 3 sizes (adult/teen /child) £4 each or 4 for £15 with £1 from each mask donated to the charity. To order contact Helen via Instagram www.instagram.com/helen.bullen.78 or by email hbullen78@hotmail.co.uk.