Lostock Hall sewing machinist who is deaf making scrubs for NHS heroes

Susan is a volunteer creatingabout 70 to 80 uniform bags a week for NHS workers at Royal Preston Hospital.

Susan Stables is a volunteer creating about 70 to 80 uniform bags a week and has already put together 20 scrubs for Sewing Urgent Supplies for Preston's NHS Heroes since the Easter weekend.

The 65-year-old, who is retired, was inspired to use her skills to help the community when her daughter-in-law Bei Stables suggested she join the volunteers.

Mum-of-three Susan said: "It’s very important [to support the NHS] as there’s a need for these items, especially the uniforms as it helps the health workers to do what they do."

Lostock Hall sewing machinist Susan Stables has made20 scrubs for Sewing Urgent Supplies forPreston's NHS Heroes since the Easter weekend.

Susan, who used to make gymnast wear for Milano in Preston for 12 years, and bridal wear and alterations for 16 years, added: "Because of the lock-down, it’s giving me purpose. Knowing that I'm helping makes me enjoy my efforts more."

She was born deaf, but did not receive an official diagnosis until she was two-years-old.

"I'm extremely independent and find communication is my only barrier, as it is understandably tricky at times," she said.

"I miss socialising, meeting my friends at the Deafway club where I'm a member of their craft group, which gets together once every other week. And I'm also part of a combined hearing and non-hearing craft hub at Fulwood Church."

Fortunately, she found a new way to put her talents to use while keeping herself busy when Bei saw a post on Facebook about the voluntary group and sent her a link.

Her daughter-in-law said: "What Susan is doing is astonishing. She makes me absolutely proud.

"She's been sewing forever and does it for leisure. I thought the campaign might be right up her alley and give her something to do.

"She seems to be really enjoying it, especially as it's helping key workers."

Bei added: "We attend Comic Cons and she's drummed up some amazing costumes for her grandchildren, and she used to make her lads' outfits.

"She's always crafting - knitting or making dolls.

"She's not had formal training to become a seamstress. She's just got a natural knack for it."

The group has now set up a Go Fund Me page to try and raise £10,000 for more materials and supplies.

To make a donation, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/sewing-urgent-supplies-for-preston039s-nhs?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR3u2L1G7UXqfDExwgmUsYMp4vFR4p8Ab1SrEDDZr5E7T81m9E-wFDs-wJw