Co Down mother-of-five sews 700 face masks and 70 sets of scrubs - while recovering from brain surgery

A Co Down woman has sewn more than 700 face masks and 70 sets of scrubs for frontline healthcare workers - while recovering from brain surgery.

Angela Caldwell, who is 52 and from Banbridge, underwent a six-and-a-half hour operation in February after it was found she had Chairi malformation, a condition where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal.

The mother-of-five was released from hospital after three days to continue her recovery at home.

As the Covid-19 pandemic spread, her 14-year-old daughter became one of the first children in Northern Ireland to be tested as she had been on a school skiing trip in Italy.

Despite having a chronic cough, sore throat and high temperature, the test came back negative.

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But seeing the seriousness of the pandemic, Angela decided she wanted to do something to help

She said she was also motivated by family members including her mother, a former nurse who is now a matron of a care home, a niece who recently graduated as a nurse and her sister, who is a carer.

"We are a family that is care-orientated," she said.

"When it comes to the NHS, I know first-hand the struggle and what the issues are."

She said she used to sew 35 years ago, having trained in a factory making children's clothes.

"I started making the face coverings and supplying them to friends and neighbours and local shopkeepers. We asked for £1 for the old people's home where my mum works.

"I cleared out the hot press of bedding and started making adult scrubs and putting them on Facebook. Then, I made contact with the NI Scrubs group.

"I spent my time just sitting and sewing. It does become an addiction. I was able to sit comfortably and it is a good distraction. I did start to feel it was nice to do something to help somebody out."

So far Angela has made more than 700 face masks and around 70 sets of scrubs - some of which have been made out of quirky fabric.

"I supplied a lot to our doctors and it was a happy feeling. If nothing else it is making somebody smile and they are all having a bit of fun seeing what each other is wearing in difficult times," she said.

"It is that disbelief that they are struggling to get these changes of clothes. You have to do something."