Expert Harborough seamstress has been making vital face masks during lockdown

An expert Market Harborough seamstress has been busier than ever during the lockdown - making vital face masks.

Ruth Richardson, 56, has made over 50 embroidered face coverings for family, friends, neighbours and total strangers since the Covid-19 crisis blew up in March.

And she’s still working day in day out to help protect people as the coronavirus continues to pose a serious threat.

Ruth, who lives off Alvington Way, Market Harborough, said: “My new vocation has certainly kept me occupied.

“But it’s also been a lot of fun as I customise and personalise face masks for people I care about deeply.

“And it’s such a great feeling to be able to help others stay safe and secure in such difficult times.”

The former fashion technology university lecturer whirred into top gear to launch her philanthropic mission after losing her job at alterations specialist Speedy Sew on Manor Walk, Market Harborough, in March.

“It was a massive blow to suddenly lose my job and lose all my income.

“But I decided pretty swiftly to turn a big negative into an even bigger positive,” said Ruth.

“So I started making face coverings as the Covid-19 lockdown went on and on.

“I want to give people more confidence to return to work, to get on public transport and to venture out into the big wide world once more.

“I have an embroidery machine to individualise face coverings and make them extra special for people.

“My rainbow face coverings have proved very popular with NHS staff and their supporters.

“I've also embroidered logos for Liverpool, Derby and Bolton football fans, cute teddy bears for a nursery worker and a digger for a lady's first aid kit.

“I’ve produced a mask with the theatre logo for a performing arts student and I’ve made very cute hearts with NHS on for nurses and health service staff.

“They’ve gone down really well.

“And it’s a terrific way of spreading the love and showing our appreciation and admiration for frontline NHS staff and critical workers.”

The compassionate mum-of-one and grandmother has done a special favour for her daughter Morgan in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

“She’s a beauty therapist.

“So I’ve made Morgan and her colleagues colourful masks with their beauty logo on,” said Ruth.

“I’ve even sent striking face masks to a friend of mine who lives in Turkey.

“Her Turkish husband’s the captain of a boat called ‘Naughty’ so I’ve posted him a face covering with ‘Naughty’ embroidered on and he loved it!

“My Facebook page with images of my work, which Morgan helps me with, is called Thread to Thread - https://www.facebook.com/Thread-to-Thread-101691851287523“We also have an Instagram page by the same name.

“So please get in touch and if we can help you out during these strange days then we will.”