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While the world has been fixated on washing hands, one gran has been putting hers to good use making fabric masks.
Pat Wilson from Deal has dedicated hundreds of hours since the pandemic began to creating more than 1,200 face coverings for charity.
Selling the items for an average of £10, the 64-year-old has now reached an incredible milestone having raised £10,000.
She has donated the full sum to Martha Trust, a charity supporting adults with profound disabilities which has reported a more than £30,000 deficit this year due to cancelled events.
Ms Wilson initially started making the masks for her friends and neighbours in Griffin Street where she lives.
But when more people started asking for them and wanting to donate, she saw it as a perfect opportunity to raise money for a charity close to her heart.
She says she now has the making down to a "fine art" and has been "blown away" by their popularity.
She said: "I had no idea how it would snowball.
"During the peak in July, August and September it was non stop.
"All were made to order as there was no time to build up a stock.
"In the lovely summer we had, I took my machine into the garden and plugged it into the shed.
"It was lovely out there listening to the birds. The repetitive nature of making them means it’s actually very mindful.
"What did I think about? Mostly about the people I met and the stories they told me and how amazing it was to be able to do something which was win, win, win.
"A win for the charity through the fundraising, a win for people receiving masks to help them feel more safe and a win for me as it keeps me busy during lockdown."
She accepted orders from the United States, as well as Ireland, France, Germany and Denmark.
She also completed an order of 30 for a wedding and another 30 for an aqua fuel company in Smarden.
She continued: "I have the making down to a fine art now. I assemble all the linings first which makes it quicker."
She says she is indebted to Mary Finn of Blind Illusions who has gifted all of the lining.
"I make them in my dining room which hasn’t seen a meal since last Christmas.
"Orders have picked up again now since I got some Christmas fabrics and people are now buying for stocking fillers.
"So we may well be eating Christmas dinner in the kitchen!"
The crafty grandmother of one to 11-year-old Timi is no stranger to supporting Martha Trust - the Mercury's Charity of the Year - having embarked on two car challenges to Rome and Monte Carlo from 2016 and raising more than £13,000 with her friend Jill Burford.
She says its residents like Charlotte, pictured, who has Rett syndrome, that make her so passionate about raising funds.
Fundraising and events officer Kerry Banks BEM said: “Pat is an absolute legend.
"She has been supporting Martha since 2016 and we feel so incredibly fortunate to have her as one of our long term supporters.
"Her masks venture has been going phenomenally well. The monies raised will enable our very special residents to enjoy more activities in the homes and also go towards helping bridge the income gap which the pandemic has caused.
"Thanks also to Mary at Blind Illusions."
If you would like to order a mask from Pat email pmwilson@me.com
