'Is my life not worth it?': Vulnerable Essex mum urges shoppers to wear face masks

Leanne Thompson from Shoeburyness in Essex is sitting in Southend Hospital having her immunosuppressive treatment. She has a drip in her arm. She is wearing a facemask. Photo belongs to Leanne Thompson.
Leanne Thompson undergoes immunosuppressive treatments every eight weeks at Southend Hospital. Credit: Leanne Thompson

A mum from Shoeburyness in Essex is urging people to follow the new rules and wear a mask when they shop.

It follows the government announcement that masks or face coverings will be compulsory in shops and supermarkets from July 24, with those who don't comply facing fines of up to £100.

Leanne Thompson was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when she was 18 and currently undergoes her immunosuppressive treatment at Southend Hospital every eight weeks.

It means her immune system is low and she is very vulnerable to infection, including Covid-19.

Leanne Thompson and her family have been trying to stay home as much as possible Credit: Leanne Thompson

The 36 year old, who says she and her family have been hugely supported by their local community, is trying to stay home as much as possible, only going out to exercise with her three young children and her husband going out to the shops for essentials.

Leanne has written a passionate plea on Facebook, infuriated by what she says is the attitude of some who deem wearing a mask in a shop as "too great an effort, no matter the consequence to others."

Leanne is worried about catching the disease and believes if people wore masks it may reduce her risk.

She says it was her frustration with people complaining about the new rules to wear masks in shops, that led her to write her plea on social media.

Leanne Thompson and her husband hope people will stick to the rules and wear masks in shops Credit: Leanne Thompson

Here is Leanne's post in full:

"This is me. Every 8 weeks I have meds pumped into my body that knock the **** out of my immune system to stop my body from attacking itself."That’s right, I kick my own a***. "This stuff keeps me alive. The downside is - my immune system is on the floor and I am vulnerable to infection ... yep, COVID-19 is a very real threat to me."For those of you who don’t want to wear a mask because it’s an infringement of rights, or uncomfortable, or you think it’s going to starve you of oxygen (it isn’t), I ask you to please take your head out of your **** and think of others at this horrendous time.

"I would very much like to see my babies grow up, and if you wearing a mask while you pop to the shop means less chance of this virus getting to me and mine, is that not worth it? Is my life not worth it?"I’m not talking about those who can’t wear a mask, I am well aware of invisible disabilities and those who genuinely can’t - you need protecting too by those who CAN wear a mask."How about the many like me - are they not worth it either?"Is it asking too much to save a life?"Even if you don’t believe it will save a life, isn’t it worth it, JUST IN CASE it can actually save lives?"