Claire Ryan has been inspired to help those working through the Coronavirus pandemic by creating ‘scrubs bags’, ensuring that key workers can safely wash their uniforms at the end of a shift to reduce the spread of the virus and any risk of contamination.
With a range of different patterns and styles, the drawstring bags are created from polycotton material, which is washable at 90 degrees to kill the virus with the uniform placed inside the bag during the washing process.
Claire was determined to help her work colleagues at Penwortham Dental Practice after the centre reopened as an emergency dental hub, leading to her creation of the scrubs bags and headscarves, too, for colleagues to cover their hair at work.
Stemming from a lifelong passion for arts and crafts, Claire also created bags for those working at Dovehaven Lodge Care Home where her dad Leo Gornall – a former PNE reserves player and ex-chairman of the PNE Former Players’ Association – is a resident.
Leo sadly suffered a stroke earlier in the year and to thank the staff at Royal Preston Hospital who cared for him at that time, Claire has also been making bags for the hospital staff there as they work tirelessly through the pandemic.
For staff at the dental practice, the care home and the hospital, Claire has created around 50 to 60 scrubs bags in total so far!
And sticking with the artistic theme, Claire has also been rock painting with a North End theme to decorate her dad’s patio at the care home.
Claire’s friend Jacqueline Seed has also been inspired to offer support for key workers and those fighting against the Coronavirus pandemic.
She has been making crocheted hearts for Royal Preston Hospital which are given to the families and loved ones of those fighting against the virus in hospital.
We have already covered the efforts of other fundraising fans, with the efforts of Luke Carter and Craig Astley, for Rainbow Hub and Derian House, respectively, kicking off the feature a fortnight ago, while last week we covered the key worker coffee idea of walking footballer Anne-Marie Craven.
If you are a Preston North End supporter either fundraising for a local charity or doing something similar to Claire or Jacqueline to support those through the current crisis, please get in touch and we will look to share more fans’ stories each Friday over the coming weeks.
You can submit your story by emailing media@pne.com with the subject 'Fundraising Fans', please include the following details in your email:
- Your full name
- Your PNE member number
- Details of your fundraising, including the charity it is for (if applicable)
- A link to your fundraising page (if applicable)
- Photos or videos of your fundraising or community efforts