Bosham 12-year-old raises £2,500 for charity by making and selling protective face masks
Ella Watkins has made a total of 720 masks since lockdown started, using 216 metres of material.
She has now presented a cheque to the homelessness charity Stonepillow for £2,000, and another of £500 to the charity Unique.
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Hide AdThe Observer first reported on Ella’s sewing project back in April, at which point she had raised £400.
But after the story was published and more people found out the project, Ella’s mother Angela Watkins said: “It went absolutely bonkers.
“It increased the fundraising like we never imagined. It was amazing, I can’t believe how much support we got.”
As well as requesting face masks, people donated fabric, thread and even a sewing machine towards the project.
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Hide AdThe Bishop Luffa pupil and her mother were kept busy, with orders pouring in.
“It was something we were doing day and night,” she said. “It became a full time job for about a month.
“But it was really good fun, and I think Ella’s journey to fundraising has been given a really good kickstart. She absolutely loved it.
“To know it’s going to go towards helping others is just a bonus for her.”
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Hide AdThe masks were sent all over the country to York and Cornwall – and even internationally to Canada and Australia.
Mrs Watkins said: “It was a lovely experience and our lockdown memory, really.
“We came together as a family and did this thing.
“Ella learnt a new skill, and that skill will be with her for life now.”
A spokesman for Stonepillow said: “We are truly grateful to Ella for her hard work, dedication and kindness that has gone into making so many face masks to raise funds for Stonepillow.
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Hide Ad“The valued donation will enable us to continue providing support for rough sleepers in emergency accommodation, helping them access services and delivering food during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“We were also lucky to be given our own face masks we which love, thank you Ella!”
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