New: Harrogate Scrubbers team up with Harrogate Town FC

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The Scrubbers, who were launched by Harrogate teacher Fran Taylor during the first lockdown, boast a group of over 850 volunteers who last year sewed much-needed scrubs and PPE for Harrogate Hospital, GPs and hospices when supplies were stretched.

But the current lockdown is not quite the same as last year's and the volunteers are still itching to do more for the community.

Harrogate Scrubbers member Claire Strachan said: "The team spirit was amazing last year. It didn’t just provide PPE for nurses and help the NHS.

"It gave us all a sense of purpose. It helped people’s mental health and overcame loneliness for many shielding or stuck at home.

"This time round we still have sewers asking for something to do, so we have been asking charities locally if they need any sewing support.

"But we still have more volunteers than work to do."

The link-up with Harrogate's biggest football club felt like the perfect match.

Harrogate Town FC's managing director Garry Plant s had heard of the incredible work the group had done and approached them for help in providing the team with kit bags - with the pledge to donate to Harrogate Hospital charity in return.

Mr Plant said: "We had seen the amazing achievements the Scrubbers had done last year and thought it would be great to link up when it came to sorting kit bags for the team.

"Instead of paying an online company we have had an amazing response from the Scrubbers who jumped at the opportunity to support the club.

"We have provided all the materials they need and to repay their support we will make a donation to the Harrogate Hospital charity. It’s a winner all round."

Last year saw a range of local companies rally to Harrogate Scrubbers' side in all their good works and it's proving to be no different when it comes to the kit bag project.

Showtime Fabrics and White Rose Sewing are supplying the materials needed, and PG Branding in Hornbeam Park have offered to print the team numbers on the bags for free.

Founder of the Harrogate Scrubbers Fran Taylor said the volunteers were delighted to help Harrogate Town, who last year won promotion to the English Football League proper for the first time in their history.

She said: "It was brilliant to be asked to support our local football team and has given a real boost to some of the group members.

"Supporting local companies at the same time is what our group was all about.

"It is a brilliant collaboration and one we are excited to support. Knowing it will boost the mental health of a number of the volunteers by giving them something to do in lockdown is an added bonus."

It's not the only community initiative on the cards for Harrogate Scrubbers. The Scrubbers have also been asked to provide some additional scrubs for Harrogate Hospital, specifically for situations where people who are receiving end of life care.

This has again provided an opportunity for some of the group to also make scrubs again to fulfil the order.

Janice Siddall was one of the first group members to volunteer again to help,

She said: "After over 40 years as a senior nurse, now part time, I am aware of the significant stress put on all my colleagues and feel for them.

"Making scrubs last year was cathartic knowing they were received with the love that they were made with. It was great to let the NHS know that we are supporting them in any way we can."

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