A Mansfield photographer hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic has turned her focus to something else — raising £1,000 for the John Eastwood Hospice.

Elizabeth Orridge, of Elizabeth Orridge Photography, has set herself a target of sewing 1,000 uniform washbags and ear protectors for NHS staff and keyworkers and raising £1,000 for the Sutton hospice at the same time.

Elizabeth, a director at business support group Mansfield and Ashfield 2020, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic I have been unable to work, and wanted to use my time to benefit others.

“Since lockdown started, I have put down my camera and brought out my sewing machine.

“I’ve been making uniform washbags and ear protectors for the NHS and keyworkers, funded entirely by public donations.”

When the donations started to slow down, but the demand did not, Elizabeth started to make fabric face masks, and sold them to the public for £3. Each sale of a mask funded two uniform washbags.

She added: “I have nearly sewn 850 items to date. Then I thought how cool would it be if I could sew 1,000 items and raise £1000.

“The hospice runs entirely on donations and fundraising, and will have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I want to do something positive, in a time of uncertainty to benefit Mansfield and the community.

“Any donation, however large or small, will be so gratefully received.”

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elizabethorridgephotographyfundraiser