60 Co. Antrim stitchers make 4,000 pairs of scrubs for health and social care workers

by Rebecca Black, PA

A group of stitchers in Co Antrim have made more than 4,000 pairs of scrubs in just two weeks for health and care workers.

The fruits of the efforts by the 60 are now set to be distributed to local hospitals and care homes.

It was coordinated by Harold and Alison McCloy, owners of Village Blinds in Ballymena, who came up with the project when the firm was forced to close temporarily due to Covid-19.

Mr McCloy said they wanted to do something to help health and care workers.

"With the urgent need for scrubs so highly documented, we knew this was something practical that we could help with," he said.

They were supported by fabric manufacturer William Clark and Sons in Upperlands, Maghera, and then raised a five-figure sum to buy the material.

Another local company, Bradfor of Rostrevor, Co Down also helped by assisting with the task of cutting the fabric which was then distributed to more than 60 volunteers across the Mid and East Antrim council area.

Mr McCloy added: "Many of these amazing women are well over the age of 70 themselves and have been in isolation for weeks.

"With many of them professional stitchers from days gone by, the speed at which they have been able to work is outstanding and the workmanship and quality coming back from them is absolutely impeccable."

(Alison and Harold McCoy of Village Blinds) 

More than 4,000 pairs of scrubs are now being distributed, with some having gone already to Antrim and Causeway Hospitals and a number of nursing homes in Mid and East Antrim, as well as in Lisburn and Belfast.

In a joint statement, the parties on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council congratulated all those involved.

"Harold and Alison McCloy, their 'band of stitchers' and all those who helped with this project in any way, are to be commended for this remarkable display of thoughtfulness, selflessness and generosity," they said.

Fundraising is continuing for a new project in the planning. Donations can be made via by paypal (harold22@hotmail.co.uk).