Young Recruit

A six-year-old pupil from Taunton School, Somerset, is working round the clock sewing essential items for NHS workers as part of the community group, Taunton Scrubbers, a voluntary group founded by Susan McDonnell, where hundreds of people from the local community have joined forces to make free scrubs and other protective items for the NHS and other carers

Since learning to use a sewing machine at the age of five, Patrick Dixon, has been busy creating face-masks and headbands on his sewing machine, under the supervision of his mother, Eva.

‘I’m very proud to have taught Patrick to sew,’ Eva said. ‘He is the youngest member of Taunton Scrubbers and everyone loves him; he’s even inspired local scouts to have a go at sewing for the NHS.’

She added, ‘COVID-19 has brought some much needed awareness to Cystic Fibrosis, which Patrick has. He has needed to wear a mask from a very early age, and used to get a lot of stares; this is one of the reasons why he wanted to start making masks and other items for everyone when it became a necessity for the whole country.’

Despite being unable to leave the house for weeks, Patrick has been participating in home schooling, daily lung physio and has given up lots of his play time to continue with his sewing in order to help others.

‘I’m used to having to be careful about germs all the time, but it must feel very scary for all the people who are not used to it,’ says Patrick. ‘This is why I wanted to help. Also, I go to the hospital a lot to see my CF Team and I want to help keep them safe, because they help me all the time.’

Local hospital departments, care homes, GP surgeries and other carers can contact Taunton Scrubbers via email and state what protective equipment they need (scrubs, hair caps, headbands or scrub bags) and the group volunteers will make them in their own homes using fabric and material either purchased by themselves or donated/sponsored by local shops and individuals who might not be able to sew, but still would like to support the cause.

Louise Leah, Head of Taunton School Pre-Prep said, ‘Everyone at TPPS are so incredibly proud of Patrick for his hard work and desire to help the NHS at such an important time.’

Find Taunton School’s online listing here