Seamstress aims to raise £1,000 for Wakefield Hospice with homemade face masks

Aileen Talbot first began making masks last month, and had initially hoped to raise £250 to support Wakefield Hospice.

But after a spike in orders, fuelled by the government's announcement that face coverings will become mandatory in shops from July 24, she has now set herself the challenge of raising a massive £1,000 for the Hospice.

By 9.30am this morning, just twelve hours after the announcement was made, Aileen had already received orders for more than 50 new masks, and said the requests continued throughout the morning.

She said: "I was making them first of all for my mum who was frightened to go out.

"I was sat here with my granddaughter home schooling, nothing to do, and thought I might as well start making them. Then it just snowballed.

"It picked up last night when Boris decided he'd announce we were going to have to wear face masks. This morning has been absolutely mental.

"I've got it down so I've got a system where I cut a batch and then press, and then sew a batch, press again and then disinfect and package.

"I originally wanted just to raise £100 for the Hospice, but I've done £250 so far and goodness knows how much today.

"It's just fantastic, I now want to raise £1,000."

Aileen charges £3 for each of her face masks, of which she says £2 covers her costs and the remaining £1 goes straight to the hospice.

She has so far donated more than £250 to the hospice, and hopes that the spike in orders will see this number increase.

"I've had to go and buy more fabric," she said. "I've finally tracked down an elastic manufacturer in the UK.

"It's just been phenomenal, I thought it would be like a steady trickle until Boris decided to get on TV. I was like 'what are you doing to me? Why didn't you let me know!'

"To start with people were wanting three masks - one to wear, one to wash and a spare.

"I've had repeat orders from quite a few people who are giving them to friends.

"The Hospice are just so brilliant and they haven't been able to raise funds in the lockdown.

"I would love to be able to raise £1,000. The more I can make, the more money I raise for the Hospice and they're always so grateful and such lovely people."

Email [email protected] to contact Aileen or order a mask.