Hundreds of people, from fashion designers to casual crafters, are dusting off their sewing machines to help make scrubs and masks for NHS workers.

Fashion designer Zeynep Kartal, whose creations have been worn by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, has been making masks with her two 16-year-old sons Emre and Berke at home.

Together they’ve made 1,000 masks using hospital-grade fabric which they’ve divided between Bolton and Manchester City Council so they can be handed out to key workers. Zeynep is also involved in the first Bolton Fashion and Lifestyle Festival.

The designer said: “I am so proud of my two children for using their time wisely while we are in lockdown. I want to teach my kids not to be selfish and to always ask themselves how they can help others in hard times.”

Meanwhile volunteers from across Greater Manchester are getting crafty to help with the effort. The Facebook group Manchester and East Lancs Scrub Hub was set up by Deborah Gregory and the aim is to get as many people as possible sewing scrubs, bags and masks for workers.

The group currently has over 500 members and there have been two sub-groups established for Bolton, totalling nearly 90 volunteers.

The Bolton News: Scrub bags and hats made by volunteersScrub bags and hats made by volunteers

Anne Marie Broadly, a retired sales representative, is the coordinator for the south Bolton group. She said: “We’re an army of ladies, and one or two men, who are sewing items for NHS workers, all at home. A couple of local companies are helping us out too, Stitched Up by Doreen, a dressmakers, have been making scrubs with us. The demand is so great right now.

“We’ve produced around 120 scrub sets so far and about 400 scrub bags, which the nurses need to wash their scrubs in. We’re managing at the moment to get most of the fabric donated, but we do have a Go Fund Me page too.

“There’s a few people helping to deliver and collect items, and even people who are self isolating are making things, all the social distancing rules are in place. Anyone is welcome from novices to professionals, as long as they’ve got a machine and can sew they can take part.

“I personally owe a lot to the NHS. It’s so nice for people to come together, NHS staff are putting their lives on the line so it’s the least we can do.”

The Bolton News: Volunteer Heidi Adamson cuts fabricVolunteer Heidi Adamson cuts fabric

Linda Hopkins is the north Bolton coordinator. She is balancing her crafting alongside teaching remotely in her role as Head of Art at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise College in Burnley.

Linda said: “We’ve never met each other but by the power of social media people have stepped up with their time, energy and resources.

"Nurses can go through up to 10 sets of scrubs in a shift and they need a bag for each set of scrubs

"It’s really important that people who are capable get in touch with us.

“It’s a great group of kind people who are saying ‘yes I can'. They are doing it to help the NHS which is massively important.

“Everyone is so willing and has a positive mindset, I really want to thank all those who are helping right now, they are the true stars of the show.”

Linda is urging anyone who wants to help to get in touch via the Manchester and East Lancs Scrub Hub on Facebook. You can donate to the Go Fund Me Page here.