A group of Harrogate volunteers, affectionately known as the ‘Harrogate Scrubbers’, have teamed up with Harrogate Town AFC to help sew kit bags for the club’s first team.

Harrogate Town approached the group after their work during the first lockdown in which they provided over 2,300 scrubs for staff at Harrogate Hospital.

And the group, who have over 850 members, jumped at the chance to help support their local club, with Harrogate Town making a donation to Harrogate Hospital in exchange.

Harrogate Scrubbers will help sew kit bags for Harrogate Town’s players.

Managing Director at Harrogate Town Garry Plant said:

“We had seen the amazing achievements the scrubbers had done last year and thought it would be great to link up when it came to sorting kit bags for the team.

“Instead of paying an online company we have had an amazing response from the Scrubbers who jumped at the opportunity to support the club. We provided all the materials they need and to repay their support we will make a donation to the Harrogate Hospital charity – it’s a winner all round!”

Local companies Showtime Fabrics and White Rose Sewing are supplying the materials needed, and PG Branding in Hornbeam Park have offered to print the team numbers on the bags for free.

Founder of Harrogate Scrubbers Fran Taylor spoke of the group’s delight to be able to help the football club:

“It was brilliant to be asked to support our local football team and has given a real boost to some of the group members. Supporting local companies at the same time is what our group was all about.

“It is a brilliant collaboration and one we are excited to support. Knowing it will boost the mental health of a number of the volunteers by giving them something to do in lockdown is an added bonus.”

Harrogate Scrubbers have also been asked to provide some additional scrubs for Harrogate Hospital, specifically for volunteers who support people receiving end of life care.

Claire Strachan of Harrogate Scrubbers said:

“The team spirit of the scrubbers was amazing last year – it gave people a purpose and a means of helping the NHS. It didn’t just provide the PPE, it helped people’s mental health and overcame loneliness for many shielding or stuck at home.

“We still have sewers asking for something to do, so have helped charities locally needing sewing support, but we still have more volunteers than work to offer.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.