A heartfelt thanks has been paid to stitchers who relentlessly made scrubs for the island’s emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A number of individuals and organisations have been thanked by the SCRUBS initiative for providing resources and making scrubs - uniforms worn by those in the medical or caring professions.

This initiative began by first responding to nurse Ciara Kilgallon’s request for some sets of scrubs for Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

Angela Kennedy of The Sewing Room got the initiative underway along with Estell Bagnall of The Secret Sewing Society.

The total number of bags they have now made is in the region of 2,650.

Debbie from Bon Fabrics in Douglas and Kate Gerry from The Bridal House and Dressmakers workshop in Ramsey helped to get the project off the ground.

Following this, a team of 80 volunteers from across the island turned their hands to making scrubs also.

The team would like to thank Belinda Leach and Shona Leonard, who managed the bag-making team along and coordinated contacts and spoke to the press to raise awareness, and Oriana Hills who managed Facebook and answered queries.

A special thank you was given to Jessica Yates who worked as a production coordinator and organised the distribution of the scrubs to the carers in the community.

When it was realised that the initiative’s stash of textiles was running out, people used their innovative skills by using their duvet covers, sheets and even curtains that would withstand hot washing.

Accountant Jenny Moore of Jenny Wren on the Rock was then enlisted to manage fundraising for the team and to keep records of the finances to help fund this project.

A SCRUBS spokesman said: ’The people and organisations who gave of their time and money have been wonderful.

’We wish to thank all of you no matter how big or small your contribution has been as it has all made a big difference.’

The efforts were met with great appreciation, with the initiative getting letters of thanks from grateful recipients from NHS workers.