Northampton man crochets more than 2,000 ear protectors for healthcare staff around the UK

A local man has crocheted thousands of ear protectors to help healthcare staff across the UK who are working on the frontline during the pandemic.

Simon Crook, who is also still working full-time, has managed to make 2,716 ear protectors since just before lockdown began in March.

The 54-year-old has sent them to Northampton General Hospital and care homes in the local area, but has also posted them further afield too.

Simon said: “I’ve been crocheting for 40 years and someone sent me the pattern for the protectors and I thought ‘I can do this’, so I did.

“I did 83 to start with, put them on an NHS Facebook page and sent them through the post. It just took off from there as a lot of people were interested in having them.

“It only takes about five minutes to do each one, but I like to be told when they have been received so I can see something at the end of it.”

The ear protectors are used by healthcare professionals when they are wearing a mask.

Instead of sitting behind their ears and making them sore, the mask attaches to the protector, giving the healthcare workers a bit more comfort.

Simon added: “Everyone is really grateful. I’ve had a few people asking me how much they owe me, but I don’t want anything for them.

“I’m just doing it because I enjoy it and we all need to share the love right now.

“We’re all in the same situation here, so we just have to do what we can to support each other.

“I’m fortunate enough that I don’t have to work on the frontline, so I just want to give something back.”

Simon has also sent his protectors as far as hospitals in Devon, Kent, Birmingham, Walsall, Cambridge, Scotland and Wales.

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