Worthing woman sews more than 100 coronavirus face masks for frontline workers

Sybille Ulinksi, 75, has sewn 134 masks for Guild Care, Worthing Hospital and her friends while self-isolating.

“I think if you can, then you should help,” said Sybille, who used to make her own clothes when she was younger.

“I’ve always been treated well by Worthing Hospital so it was a chance to give something back. Plus it gave me something to do, because I live on my own I was going mad with boredom.

“It’s not easy when you live on your own and because I’m 75 I should stay indoors all the time. Usually I’d meet up with my friends every week, but that’s all gone now.”

She said her marathon sewing session took ten days, after friends said they would like some and she ‘just kept going’.

Sybille’s gesture is another example of the community spirit fostered during the coronavirus crisis. She is one of many people offering out their spare parking spaces to NHS workers and said she had been touched by her neighbours offering help.

Several had visited during the lockdown to check in on her and give their phone numbers for if she ever needed help, she said.

A Guild Care spokesman said the group was very grateful for Sybille’s masks, which had been given to staff to use at home as they did not comply with official PPE guidance.

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