Beckie Blundell might not have completed a Tough Mudder course, but she embodies everything that Mudder Nation and the #HelpAHundred project is about.
Originally brought to our attention by members of the Tough Mudder community, Beckie has been making headbands with buttons attached for healthcare professionals to use to stop their face masks hurting their ears. We reached out to Beckie to see if we could lend a helping hand and sent her 8,000 of our unused headbands to ensure she has the stock she needs to fulfill the orders as quickly as possible.
We’ve asked her to explain in her own words the project she started to help the healthcare community during these unprecedented times.
How did you come up with the Idea?
The idea came about one night when my sister, a nurse, complained about her ears hurting and asked if anyone could make something to help. I made her the first headband that night and when she went to work the next day all her colleagues wanted one, and so it grew from there.
I thought about all the other healthcare professionals in other hospital’s who might want something like this too, so I put the idea out on Facebook. I was inundated with requests, but also by people asking to pay or donate towards the cost so we could provide them all free of charge to the people who need them. That is when the gofundme was set up for people to donate if they wanted too.
How Many Headbands have you delivered so far?
As of Friday 17th April, we’ve had just over 5,000 requests in total. With more requests coming in daily we have a lot to keep us going. There is a team of five of us sewing to clear the backlog of orders and even my Nan is joining in as it keeps her busy during isolation.
What Area do you cover?
Nationwide. I had healthcare professionals in my local area messaging first but I’ve also had requests from North Wales, Surrey, Bognor, Swansea and Telford so far. I’ve always said whoever requests a headband I will get one to them wherever they are.
How can people help or get involved?
If anyone wants to help we are always looking for buttons if anyone can donate any. Another way is by donating through the gofundme page as all money raised goes back into headband and button supplies. For every £5 donation it ensures that at least 12 healthcare professionals can receive a headband. Any extra money raised at the end is being donated directly to the NHS.
If I’m a Healthcare Professional and would like a Headband how can I get one?
You contact me via the Facebook page. We will then get your order to you as quickly as we can sew the headbands you need.
This is a great example of how doing something small can have a big impact on people’s lives. If Beckie has inspired you, check out our #HelpAHundred project for some simple ideas of how you could also make a positive impact on someone else’s day. Don’t forget to tell us about your acts of kindness on social media using #HelpAHundred.
