MORE than £400 has been raised for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) by a Gainford pensioner who decided to sew facemasks while self-isolating.
Margarite Dunn produced a dazzling array of more than 100 designer facemasks which she sold to friends and family in aid of charity as something to keep her busy during lockdown.
She was told to self-isolate by the NHS because of underlying health conditions.
After giving some £75 of the cash she raised to St Teresa’s Hospice a month ago, Mrs Dunn was invited to the air ambulance service’s base at Eaglescliffe on Wednesday last week where she presented chief pilot Jay Stewart with £420.
Unfortunately, she was not able to see the air ambulance up close because of Covid-19 restrictions. Mrs Dunn said: “They were very good and they made us feel so welcome. I was very pleased.
“They have invited us back when all the Covid is over – then they are going to show us around.
“I think they do an excellent job. They rescue a lot of people. They told me they are struggling for money.”
The air ambulance service confirmed the cash was welcome.
Sophie Bendelow, of GNAAS, said: “We’d like to thank Mrs Dunn for thinking of us, and congratulate her on a unique fundraise.
“Every penny raised will help keep us flying.
“If you would like to support GNAAS in any way, please contact 01325 487 263. The charity’s offices are open by appointment only.”
The pensioner, who is also a member of Ingleton WI, produced her double-layered masks using a variety of fabrics. Designs included camouflage, denim and sheep prints.
She said: “It has really helped me during this lockdown because I couldn’t go shopping and I couldn’t visit my friends.
“I just want to thank all the local people for the donations and support they have given me over the months. We have been very lucky.”
She added that she particularly missed her weekly get together with friends at Piercebridge.
