Amy’s knitting skills help kids

KNITTING fanatic Amy Pennington has turned a childhood hobby into a way of helping others, and her passion and dedication has earned her a prestigious Edge Hill University Excellence Scholarship.

The 23-year-old primary education student from Ashton-in-Makerfield donates knitted hats and vests to premature baby units around the UK.

She also sends them to overseas charities that provide clothing to so-called ‘fish and chip babies’ – those from areas so poor their families have to wrap them in newspaper to keep them warm.

Growing up, Amy spent a lot of time visiting her grandmother, who was always knitting, and she wanted to join in, so her mum bought her a children’s knitting kit.

Knitting didn’t come as naturally to her as she expected but after developing her knitting skills over the years and seeing the impact it can have on babies’ lives, it is now Amy’s passion.

“My grandma started donating her garments to her friends at Ashton Library’s knitting club, who send them to UK premature baby units as well as overseas to the unfortunate children of Rwanda,” said Amy.

“This inspired me to want to help so I started sending mine too.

“I started attending the knitting club and since joining the group, I have knitted twiddle muffs that help people in the North West suffering from dementia and have also been taught to crochet by one of the ladies.

“It is rewarding using my hobby; something I love, in order to benefit others less fortunate than myself.

“When I got the call from the scholarships team I was so surprised, but most of all I was so grateful at being awarded a scholarship.

“I’m going to use this to buy wool and buttons so I can continue to make a difference to babies all over the world.”

Amy plans to become a primary school teacher and hopes to use her skills to provide a knitting club for children within the school, so that they too may use their hobby to benefit others.