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Tain super stitchers' Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising idea hits the spot during coronavirus crisis; Harry Potter and Ross County FC face mask designs snapped up during Covid-19 outbreak


By Louise Glen

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Shona's grandchildren Ailie (AILIE) and Archie are thrilled with their customized Harry Potter and Ross County masks. Picture: Callum Mackay
Shona's grandchildren Ailie (AILIE) and Archie are thrilled with their customized Harry Potter and Ross County masks. Picture: Callum Mackay

A DYNAMIC duo determined to help a lifeline charity devastated by the coronavirus outbreak has hit upon the perfect lockdown fundraiser.

Like many other charity fundraisers across the county, Easter Ross women Shona Docherty and Sandra Deeth have had to dramatically rethink ways to help at a time public attention is focused on tackling the public health crisis.

The Tain-based super stitchers came up with the idea of creating custom-made face masks and inviting donations for Macmillan Cancer Support.

And since hitting on the idea, they've struggled to keep up with demand – and just about run out of elastic!

Masks with personalised Ross County and Harry Potter designs have proved particularly popular on a table outside Mrs Docherty's St Andrew's Road home.

The chairman of the charity's local committee said she was inspired to make the masks after hearing fellow fundraiser Mrs Deeth was making them for front line workers.

Mrs Docherty said: "At this time of the year we would have already have held fundraisers for Macmillan, and we would have certainly already had a coffee morning.

"But of course none of these things are possible at the moment, so it is great news that people have been donating so generously by picking up a face mask."

She said: "The masks have been selling so well it has been difficult to keep up with the demand.

"At first I was making a few at the same time, but now I am making one and taking it out to the table for sale. As soon as we put out a mask, they are gone, and people have been leaving donations for the work of Macmillan."

Shona Docherty and Sandra Deeth have been making face masks to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Callum Mackay
Shona Docherty and Sandra Deeth have been making face masks to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Callum Mackay

The table has three sizes of masks made with three layers in cotton or polycotton with a non-woven lining.

Mrs Docherty, who used to own the wool shop in Tain until it closed three years ago, added: "On Saturday we raised £121, then £128 on Sunday and on Monday we took £102. It is quite incredible and we are grateful to everyone who has left a donation."

All the money raised by the face masks will go to support the work of Macmillan in the Highlands.

She has also started a book table in the square outside her home. She said: "My husband and I had about a dozen books that we were no longer needing and we decided that we would put them out for people to help themselves. There are now about hundred books for people to come and help themselves, and for them to return once they have read them."

Anyone who can help supply more elastic for the masks is invited to contact Shona on 01862 892711.

More local news from Ross-shire

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