Pandemic hero who sewed thousands of NHS scrubs has died

A Thatcham hero, who sewed scrubs for NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic, has died.

Tributes are being paid to Claire Bird of Windermere Way, who died on September 10.

Mrs Bird had a sudden bleed to the brain on September 9 – just two days after her 43rd birthday.

Three ambulances, a fire engine and a helicopter were sent to aid the mother-of-three but she died the next morning at John Radcliffe hospital surrounded by family.

Her sister Lucy Goodliffe called Mrs Bird "a ray of sunshine" who was always positive and always smiling.

She said: “She was the centre of our family’s world, supporting us all after the loss of our brother Tim in 2011.

“She drove me nuts but I love and miss her so, so much.”

Mrs Bird was dubbed a local hero in 2020 after she and a team of seamstresses created more than 5,000 items in PPE and scrub sets for NHS workers, mid-pandemic, equating to over 75 per cent of local donations.

Her mother Tina Wild said: “The most important thing in Claire’s life was her family, making sure that she always did the very best for her children and husband Stuart.

“Claire would do anything for anyone, whether it was a cup of tea and chat or organising PPE during a pandemic; nothing was ever too much trouble and always with a smile on her face.”

Mrs Bird also owned Birdhouse Creations for which she made custom cushions, quilts and animals from loved ones clothes.

Her family said she had helped thousands deal with grief through her work.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to take pressure off her family at this time at https://gofund.me/498a63cd

Mrs Bird’s best friend Jayne Humphreys said: “Birdy, my life will be empty without your smile and voice in it but I will look at our memories and smile with you.

“Sleep tight beautiful.”

Mrs Bird's funeral will be held at the West Berkshire Crematorium at 4pm on October 7 (Friday) for those who wish to say their goodbyes.