After her son was seriously ill with coronavirus, Della Diston wanted to raise money for the local NHS.

So the 78-year-old made hundreds of face coverings and has raised over £1,000 for local hospitals.

Della of Tywyn wanted to help after her son, care home worker Dave Ellis, 42, and his partner Karla both contracted coronavirus.

Dave had to be hospitalised and still suffers with post-viral fatigue six months on. He is not yet well enough to return to work.

Karla is back at work, but still has minor health problems.

More than 700 face coverings have been made by Della and she is donating £500 to Bronglais Hospital and £250 apiece to Tywyn and Dolgellau hospitals.

Della, who lives with her 13-year-old Westie Lucy, said: “I wanted to help the NHS. They were so good to my son when he had to be rushed into hospital with coronavirus.

“The face coverings have really taken off. It’s been so busy. I’m happy that people are buying them and that I have been able to give something back to the hospitals.”

Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Nicola Llewelyn, said: “We are grateful to Della and all the other people who have been so generous in fundraising for our local NHS.

“Donations to our charity make such a difference to the lives of NHS patients and staff.

“We wish Dave and Karla a speedy recovery.”