Inspirational: See how boy with cystic fibrosis has been devoting his time to help health workers
A six-year-old boy with a condition that makes it a struggle to breathe is devoting his free time to making protective gear for health workers.
Patrick Dixon has been busy creating personal protective equipment (PPE) on his sewing machine during lockdown.
He has suffered from cystic fibrosis from a young age – which means he knows what it’s like to have to wear a mask.
The genetic disorder mostly affects the lungs and often means those living with the condition can have problems breathing.
Patrick, from Taunton, Somerset, is supervised by mum Eva while he sews.
He has even joined a local community group made up of people who create medical scrubs – helping to make more than 3,000 items so far.
Eva said: “I’m very proud to have taught him to sew. He’s even inspired local scouts to have a go at sewing for the NHS.
“I’m proud of how he’s coping with the isolation by helping others, yet adhering to his strict medical and schooling regime.
“COVID-19 has brought some much needed awareness to cystic fibrosis, which Patrick has.
“He has needed to wear a mask from a very early age, and used to get a lot of stares
“This is one of the reasons why he wanted to start making masks and other items for everyone when it became a necessity for the whole country.”
Patrick has been unable to leave his home for weeks but has been homeschooled and had daily lung physio – while giving up his play time to continue sewing.
He said: “I’m used to having to be careful about germs all the time, but it must feel very scary for all the people who are not used to it.
“This is why I wanted to help. Also, I go to the hospital a lot to see my cystic fibrosis team and I want to help keep them safe, because they help me all the time.”
Patrick is a part of Taunton Scrubbers, a voluntary group consisting of hundreds of people making free scrubs and other protective items.
Around 3,000 items have been distributed so far – and counting.
Local hospital departments, care homes and other medical and key workers can contact the group and state what PPE they need.
The group volunteers will make them in their own homes using fabric and material either bought by themselves or donated or sponsored by shops and individuals.
Some volunteers help with delivering items and materials, fabric donations collections, sewing machine repairs, administration and storing and sorting completed items.
Eva said: “This is a project all of us are incredibly proud of and it has really brought the whole community together in an effort to try help out those who are working so hard to keep us safe.”