Bannockburn High pupil’s lockdown efforts recognised with award
A kind-hearted schoolgirl has received praise for the action she took to help keep her community safe during lockdown.
Abigail Fletcher, 12, of Bannockburn, not only made face masks to help people protect themselves from coronavirus – but she also raised money for a remarkable charity.
As the nation went into lockdown in spring, Abigail got busy with her sewing machine, stitching the masks together, then giving them away in return for a donation towards Strathcarron Hospice in Denny.
Her hard work has been recognised with a special achievement award in the Scotland Loves Local High Street Heroes Awards, which recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help those around them during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abigail’s nomination stated: “The masks are amazing. One day alone she sat at her sewing machine from 7am until 7pm. She also bought the material.
“She is an amazing, thoughtful, lovely girl.”
Reacting to her award, Abigail, a pupil at Bannockburn High School, said: “I started out just making masks for family members, then dad posted on the street group chat and I got more and more requests, so I had the idea to ask for donations to Strathcarron.
“I ended up spending loads of time at my sewing machine making masks but I didn’t mind as it was for Strathcarron which is a great cause.”
A spokesman for the High Street Heroes Awards judging panel said: “Abigail’s actions are a great example of the great ways in which people of all ages have been supporting those around them during the pandemic.
“It’s marvellous that her kindness has not only played a part in keeping people safe, but in helping a fantastic charity which means so much to the community. Well done Abigail. Your family and community can be very proud.”
The awards are part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, the national drive for people to help their communities through the coronavirus crisis by supporting their local businesses.
It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), with the support of the Scottish Government.
Everyone nominated in the awards has been thanked by Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell. A roll of honour of all nominees has been published at https:// lovelocal.scot/high-streetheroes/.