A YOUNG cancer survivor has produced almost 600 pieces of PPE kit for the NHS during lockdown to raise money for the charity that helped her after treatment.

Danielle Clapcott, who lives in Hinton Admiral, was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix two days before her 16 birthday in 2012 and underwent six months of treatment.

Seven years on, Danielle is supporting the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and NHS staff by making 563 PPE gowns for Southampton General Hospital, 11 scrub bags for the Highcliffe Medical Centre and eight ear protective headbands.

Danielle was supported by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in her recovery from cancer and is now a volunteer for the charity and a member of its Youth Board.

For Danielle, lockdown provides the perfect opportunity to give something back to those who helped her during an extremely challenging time in her life.

She said: "Due to Covid-19, many large charitable fundraising events have been cancelled and the Trust itself is due to lose around a third of its charitable income this year. Having experienced the incredible work the Trust does, I thought, how could I still make my impact?

"I have a Jones sewing machine and I joined a local sewing group on Facebook for the NHS. On April 26 I set a goal of sewing 13 gowns to represent 2.6 times the five years that I’ve been supported by the Trust. But it’s gone way beyond that! My employer, National Instruments, has allowed me to take two charity days to work on the PPE kit and are also matching my fundraising efforts, which is fantastic".

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that supports young people aged 8-24 to rebuild their confidence after cancer.

To support the Trust and Danielle’s efforts, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danielle-emct