More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A woman whose life has been saved not once, but twice, by the NHS has joined the volunteer army working to fix the NHS scrub shortage.
Sue Bugden, 56, from Wingham near Sandwich, has survived five brain haemorrhages during the past three decades - thanks to medical professionals.
Although she now relies on full time care from her husband of 37 years, former police officer, Alan, there is one activity she is able to do - arts and crafts including sewing.
This prompted her to join Ashford, Dover & Folkestone Scrubbers (WHH) Facebook group and start sewing scrubs for NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis.
It's to aid the shortage of the uniform worn by doctors, nurses and cleaning staff, particularly among former staff returning and doctors who would usually be allowed to wear ordinary clothes.
Mrs Bugden, a mother of three and grandmother to twins, has already completed her first set of 10 - as modelled by her husband - and has now moved on to her next set.
She has launched a GoFundMe page to help raise £500 towards the cost of material - which ideally is 65/35 polycotton.
She said: "The NHS saved my life twice.
"The first time was after I had two brain haemorrhages in 1997 and again, after three more in 2007.
"I've been quite a poorly person throughout my life. I also have diabetes and fibromyalgia.
"This is my way of giving back, plus it's very therapeutic."
Mrs Budgen, who used to make wedding dresses, has been using plain black and blue material.
Each set takes her around one and a half to two hours to complete and will be donated to nearby hospitals.
She said: "I can't go out because I get lost, I can't cook because I forget I've put the oven on, but this is something I can do.
"I will sew as many as I can."
To donate towards material costs, click here.
