save lives
We need more knitters to help One local Knit- in group raised more than £4,000 for charity, and now they’re encouraging others to help by clicking needles in 2014.
Every year in early March, knitters in Weston-superMare gather for an immense sponsored Knit-In, during which they create hundreds of garter stitch strips knitted in aid of a very good cause – Cancer Research UK.
The annual Knit-In is more than 30 years old and raises vital funds for the charity. For Pat Watkins, one of the event’s most loyal knitters, taking part is a way of remembering her husband, who died of oesophageal cancer. “Once you have helped to nurse someone with this dreadful disease you want to try to help in its cure.”
Pat has also experienced the other side of this devastating disease, having worked as a senior surgical secretary at Weston General Hospital. “At that time my boss was Consultant Surgeon Nick Gallegos, who was also the Chairman of Cancer Research UK’s Weston-super-Mare Committee.”
The Knit-In provides an opportunity for knitters of all abilities to work together on a shared goal – producing garter stitch strips measuring 24 stitches wide on size 8 UK needles, raising sponsorship for each inch knitted.
“We knit for two sessions of 45 minutes with a refreshment break in between,” Pat explains. “The strips are then measured and prizes are given out for the longest ones. At the end of the Knit-In, the strips are sewn into blankets and sent to another charity for distribution to those in need.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The highlight for Pat is knowing that she is helping Cancer Research UK to continue their work, pioneering research into prevention, treatment and cures for all cancers, as well as developing kinder treatments and improving survival rates.
“It’s wonderful contributing a large cheque – this year we raised £4,810 just from clicking needles!”
Cancer Research UK is funding around 15 clinical trials at Weston General Hospital, and the Westonsuper-Mare Committee and its supporters are also aiming to raise money through even more events. “On 18 October we held a dinner to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Weston-super-Mare branch of the charity,” Pat explains. “The event raised £1,709. In total we have donated £20,000 this year.” That’s certainly a figure worth celebrating!
Recently, the struggle for the Knit-In has been dwindling numbers of knitters. “We used to have 150 participants, but this year we only had 80,” says Pat. “Our hope for 2014 is that we can attract some new recruits so that we can raise even more money.”
The Knit-In takes place on 6 March 2014 at Weston-super-Mare AFC, but you don’t need to be there to take part. “Satellite groups anywhere in the UK, or further afield, can take part on the same day,” Pat suggests. “After all, the important work carried out by Cancer Research UK saves lives across the world!” From left to right: The local knitters of Weston-super-Mare clicking their needles to raise some pennies; Nick Gallegos, surrounded by charitable knitters.