GCU London student uses fashion experience to support frontline workers

A GCU student has been involved in making over 30,000 items of PPE for frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

MSc Fashion Business Creation student Jane Obonyilo volunteered alongside others after seeing an appeal on Instagram looking for individuals to get involved in making protective gowns for NHS staff.

Jane, who studies at GCU London, explained why she wanted to get involved.

She said: “I actually ran a small fashion business in Nigeria before coming here to study. I have the knowledge in fashion making and stitching which was part of the motivation in getting involved.

I’m also a mum of two and I imagined parents who are fighting against Covid-19 on the frontline and can’t go see friends and family because they have to be extra careful. They aren’t able to show affection in the way that they would want too.

I think that’s touched me and I believe that getting involved with this is the least I could contribute and definitely the biggest motivation for me.”

Jane has been volunteering at a factory in Hampstead to help meet the demand of local hospitals and admits it has been challenging at times balancing it alongside her studies.

She explained: “It has not been easy at points, I’ve had to shuffle assessments during my shifts but I managed to get through it all. I believe that those who are fighting against Covid-19 won’t find it easy, so I cannot complain.”

Jane added: “As fashion students we often talk about volunteering and giving back to the community. It has been good experience and I always think about the University ethos of the Common Good and that definitely links in here.”

By Ross Clark
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