Weeks ago she could hardly move her arthritic hands - now Doncaster mum is making free facemasks after amazing recovery

But after the NHS sorted the problem out, a Doncaster mum has turned her attention to creating hundreds of facemasks to give way free to key workers.

Cheryl Moy, aged 42, has been well known as a seamstress in Rossington for years, running a business called Pink Chez for nearly five years.

But she had to stop work last October after she started to suffer arthritis in her hands. That was in addition to debilitating ME that he has suffered for several years.

Two months ago she was able to start work again after she was given a steroid injection to help with the arthritis by the NHS.

That was just before the coronavirus lockdown, which has hit her business.

“I was stuck not being able to do much, as customers had to come to my house for fittings,” she said. “Then I saw that people were asking for face masks locally, and asking where they could get them. I’ve not had people from the NHS asking for them, but I’ve been doing them for other key workers like lorry drivers and cleaners. I’ve made just over 100 in a week, and I’m giving them to key workers for free, although people can leave a donation for costs if they want.

“I think people are grateful that I’m not taking advantage and selling them.”

Mum of three Cheryl hopes to keep making the masks for as along as possible, but believe it may depend on how long the injection which has relieved her arthritis in her hand lasts. She does not know if she will be able to get another injection in the future as the current crisis continues.

The Government is not currently advising most people to wear masks. But the UK's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said a review is ongoing.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants people to wear masks outside when social distancing is not possible. He said this would reduce the chances of passing on the virus. But some experts say social distancing and handwashing is more effective at reducing infection.

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