A YOUNG Saltcoats girl has made ear bands for heroic Crosshouse staff in the fight against COVID-19. 

Eiva Gallagher, nine, has been putting her love of arts and crafts to good use by making ear bands for staff at the hospital to ease the soreness of PPE.

With the help of her gran, Eiva has spent lockdown crocheting buttoned fabric to help doctors and nurses tie masks tighter as they work on the frontline of coronavirus.

The St Anthonys pupil has donated 50 of her creations so far – and is still going.

Mum Karen Gallagher said: “I’m a police officer so we have to wear masks, too. I find the ones that looped behind the ear were never tight enough. I came across the idea online of using fabric with buttons attached to pull it tighter.

“Between Eiva and my mum, they came up with a pattern to make it and my mum taught her how. With lockdown Eiva has more time on her hands. She’s really creative and artistic, creating wee things is her niche. The thought of helping out in this situation is really up her street.”

Eiva’s neighbour, Carol Clements, a renal nurse at Crosshouse, has been taking the donations in and distributing them to her colleagues. Carol praised the youngster for her innovative thinking.

She said: “My wee next door neighbour has a heart of gold. I’m so proud of this little star.

“These are great as masks are very loose and the ear loops can be wrapped around the button to tighten the masks making them safer and more comfortable.

“She’s so kind hearted and a credit to her parents.”

Eiva’s mum said her daughter is delighted to do something to help frontline staff.

She added: “Eiva’s also drawing pictures for the nurse’s station. It’s been good for her to have something to focus and concentrate on. She feels good about herself knowing it’s helping.”

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