Stephen Walters and Sons silk mill in Sudbury faces up to coronavirus crisis by helping to produce protective face masks
A business in Sudbury has praised the public’s positive response after launching a community initiative to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Stephen Walters and Sons is offering fabric from its silk mill in Cornard Road to provide individuals with the materials to create their own non-medical face masks.
Since posting the initiative online, the business has received more than 500 requests for the supplies, which are designed to combat the transmission of Covid-19.
Commending the community’s support, Susan Scott, who runs the firm’s mill shop, said: “We have been busy putting together mask kits, with detailed instructions on how to sew them – it’s fantastic that they’re proving so popular.
“They are made up of our fabric with a calico lining, and elastic to hold them in place. All that’s needed to assemble is a needle, thread and a pair of sharp scissors.”
Keen to help tackle the crisis, the company, which will be marking its 300-year anniversary this year, is offering its fabric for free to fashion designers creating personal protective equipment for front-line workers.
While on furlough, some of the firm’s workforce have been volunteering to help create medical scrubs, gowns and pillow cases for staff at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds on behalf of the facility’s fundraising scheme, the My Wish Charity.
Delighted to be playing a part in curbing the disease, managing director Julius Walters said: “One of our main aims has always been to provide support to our local area, so we are delighted to be able to help out in any way possible in these extremely challenging times.
“We have been amazed at the response to the kits and are working really hard to try to meet demand by making enough for everyone who needs them.”
To request a free face mask kit, email your postal address to waltersmillcommunity@gmail.com.
Donations to the firm’s chosen charity, Suffolk Accident Rescue Service, are welcome.
