Bosham 12-year-old raises £2,500 for charity by making and selling protective face masks

Ella Watkins has made a total of 720 masks since lockdown started, using 216 metres of material.

She has now presented a cheque to the homelessness charity Stonepillow for £2,000, and another of £500 to the charity Unique.

The Observer first reported on Ella’s sewing project back in April, at which point she had raised £400.

But after the story was published and more people found out the project, Ella’s mother Angela Watkins said: “It went absolutely bonkers.

“It increased the fundraising like we never imagined. It was amazing, I can’t believe how much support we got.”

As well as requesting face masks, people donated fabric, thread and even a sewing machine towards the project.

The Bishop Luffa pupil and her mother were kept busy, with orders pouring in.

“It was something we were doing day and night,” she said. “It became a full time job for about a month.

“But it was really good fun, and I think Ella’s journey to fundraising has been given a really good kickstart. She absolutely loved it.

“To know it’s going to go towards helping others is just a bonus for her.”

The masks were sent all over the country to York and Cornwall – and even internationally to Canada and Australia.

Mrs Watkins said: “It was a lovely experience and our lockdown memory, really.

“We came together as a family and did this thing.

“Ella learnt a new skill, and that skill will be with her for life now.”

A spokesman for Stonepillow said: “We are truly grateful to Ella for her hard work, dedication and kindness that has gone into making so many face masks to raise funds for Stonepillow.

“The valued donation will enable us to continue providing support for rough sleepers in emergency accommodation, helping them access services and delivering food during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

“We were also lucky to be given our own face masks we which love, thank you Ella!”

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