Selfless Sabden woman makes hundreds of face masks to help keep her community safe

It began with a request for one face mask for a key worker at the village shop, but soon Judith Bailes was inundated with requests for her beautiful masks during the coronvirus pandemic.
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The 71-year-old, who lives with her husband Andy, has continued to sit in her dining area every day since lockdown in March with her sewing machine creating more masks for people in need during this time of crisis.

Judith has now made almost 800 masks leaving lots of people grateful for her kind gesture. And her creations have also been popular with children from the community due to their bright colours and patterns.

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Commenting on the mass production, she said: "My house is a tip, but I am enjoying making the masks. It has actually kept me sane during this crazy times!

Judith Bailes hard at workJudith Bailes hard at work
Judith Bailes hard at work

"It all began when a friend asked if I had a sewing machine and if I could create one face mask for the girl who works in the village shop. After this I was inundated with requests. One local resident donated lots of elastic, while another brand new bedding. I just carried on sewing.

"Initially, I would ask people to make a donation to any charity, however, as the Sabden Holme Committee have been unable to fundraise this year due to COVID-19, I am asking for people to donate towards this charity so that community events can be held later this year."

An appreciative spokesman for the Sabden Holme Committee Trust said: "We rely on donations from villagers and our annual plant sale to keep village events such as Bonfire Night and Carols around the Tree going.

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"Being unable to hold the plant sale this year due to the pandemic has had a huge financial impact on the charity.

Judith BailesJudith Bailes
Judith Bailes

"Judith has not only provided a vital supply of face masks for villagers since March, but has also raised much-needed funds for the charity through villager's donations, which will kick start our fundraising as we look forward, post-COVID to holding events for the village in the future."

Judith went on to thank people for helping with the distribution of the masks. She said: "It's all been a big team effort. I would like to thank the people who run Sabden News, the local churches that have got involved and Sabden resident, Christine Capstick, for all her help in the distribution of the masks."

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