Mother and daughter join forces to support frontline workers

A GCU student is making a positive impact during the coronavirus pandemic by supporting frontline workers with free PPE protection.

Diagnostic Imaging student Andrea Marshall has teamed up with her mum to make more than 200 protective bands to stop irritation from face masks.

Andrea explained what led to her getting involved and why she felt it was important to do her bit.

She said: “It was actually my mum’s idea! There had been stuff shared on Facebook from a nurse down south asking for them and my mum just started knitting away.

I then got involved too and we sent them into the ICU department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Since doing that, we’ve had a nurse phoning asking if we would be able to make more.”

Andrea added: “I felt a bit useless during all this because university, placement and my work are all on hold just now.

I used to knit a lot when I was younger but I didn’t have the time as I got older – now I’ve got all the time in the world!

I’ve always wanted to help people, which is why I’m in healthcare. To be honest, I felt I had to do something and it was almost my duty to make sure I was involved during all this."

Currently in her first year, Andrea is keen to support other GCU students who are out working on the frontline and also admitted to an added benefit of the whole experience.

She explained: “Me and my mum get along great but we live apart and couldn’t see each other due to social distancing.

Thankfully the lovely weather has given us a chance to sit out in the garden together and get knitting – it’s actually been quite a nice bonding activity for both of us!”

Are you a frontline worker and irritated by your face mask? You can get your free protective band by emailing Andrea at: AMARSH209@caledonian.ac.uk

By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter