Wonderfully woolly idea raises Hospice funds

A KNITTING enthusiast from Chulmleigh is encouraging people across North Devon to pick up their needles and yarn and make something warm during the cold snap — and raising money for charity at the same time.

Elizabeth Aird has taken part in the Great North Devon Knit-In in aid of the North Devon Hospice since 1997.

The event, now in it's 14th year, sees hundreds of people across North Devon knit whatever they can in a two-hour time slot.

All sponsorship money goes to the North Devon Hospice while the knitted squares are sewn together by hospice volunteers and turned into blankets.

These are then donated to the Dogs Trust, Age Concern and the David Rundle Rwanda Trust.

This year's Knit-In will take place on Tuesday, February 23.

Elizabeth, a regular volunteer at the Charities Together shop in Chulmleigh, said: "We have a regular group of nine ladies who take part and we regularly raise more than £500 every year.

"It's something we always look forward to and people around the village always ask me when it's coming up so they can sponsor us.

"It can seem like a daunting task to ask for sponsorship at the moment, but we have always found people are more than happy to give for North Devon Hospice.

Hospice fundraiser Gerard Fawcitt said: "Elizabeth is an absolute star and what she does for the hospice is amazing.

"Your event can take place anywhere. It's just about getting together with a group of friends and having a good time."

For details call Gerard Fawcitt on 01271 347224 or e-mail gerardfawcitt@northdevonhospice.org.uk.