Denise Van Outen joins inspirational army of amateur stitchers making thousands of scrubs for NHS heroes
DENISE van Outen has joined the army of stitchers making protective clothing for medics.
Some 100 “Scrub Hubs” have sprung up in the UK with volunteers making thousands of washable outfits for hospital staff.
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Now telly favourite Denise, 45, has joined the national effort while in lockdown with daughter Betsy, nine, and boyfriend Eddie Boxshall.
She said: “I thought, ‘I’ve got time, I’d love to help’. So I’m one of the voluntary cutters.”
Her scrubs, from printed patterns, are used in her local hospitals at Basildon and Southend, Essex.
The Scrub Hub movement began after a social media plea by London doctor Katie Ward.
Her neighbours responded to her requests for more washable outfits.
And soon scores of similar groups were springing up across the UK.
Dr Ward’s neighbours said: “We have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who heeded our call - it’s been heart-warming.”
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You do realise the state of emergency we’re in
Denise Van Outen
Denise posted a snap of herself hard at work making one of the scrubs – and then modelling it.
The Neighbours star and Loose Women panellist told ITV’s Lorraine : “It’s amazing, you do realise the state of emergency we’re in.
“It has its challenges being on lockdown but it has its rewards as well because you get to spend quality time with your family.
“It’s not too bad, Betsy’s school is lovely and her teacher has been doing an online session everyday and she’s amazing.
“I try to listen in and I just don’t know how they do it.
“I think as a parent you really get to know your child and how they learn.
“And I’m learning too.
“I’ve also realised I have zero patience.”
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She said she had been nervous about letting her boyfriend dye her hair when she was unable to get to a hairdresser while on lockdown – but had been impressed with the results.
She said: “He did my roots! I’m quite lucky ‘cause I’m going quite grey at the front but from the back you could see I’m not a natural blonde.
Eddie said, ‘Your roots are really bad - I’lll do them for you.’ And I thought ‘It’s a bit of gamble.’ So we set up our phones and my hairdresser was giving Eddie the tutorial and he did a really good job!”
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