Lancaster 11-year-old makes more than 600 face masks to help foodbank

Year 6 pupil Matilda Gleeson has raised more than £1,000 for Morecambe Bay Foodbank after asking for donations in an honesty box instead of payment.

The ABBA fan, who is a member of a sewing club for children, was attempting to make ABBA-themed costumes for her and her mum at the time.

But after hearing about the need for face masks, the Dallas Road Community Primary School pupil began using her fabric to make face masks instead.

Matilda had been hoping to make a trip to London to see Mamma Mia, but when lockdown arrived and she was unable to go, she decided she wanted to help others instead.

Initially Matilda only made masks for her family but she soon expanded and made face masks for anybody who wanted one, offering them via Facebook.

She also made a sign to put on the gate at her house and people who are passing are welcome to have a mask.

So far, more than 600 masks made by Matilda have been distributed locally.

The masks are being provided to the public for free, but Matilda is asking for donations to be made to the foodbank.

And she has so far raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

Matilda has used up all of her own fabric, and is now using materials and elastic donated by the public.

Anyone who is in need of a face mask, or would like to help, can contact Matilda's mum Johanna Doerr at [email protected]