KNITTING GROUP HELP SAVE LOCAL LIVES

IN APRIL 2018 A LOCAL KNITTING GROUP IN PLYMOUTH FOUND OUT ABOUT A LIFESAVING CHARITY CALLED BASICS DEVON (BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR IMMEDIATE CARE.) AFTER ONE SHORT CONVERSATION WITH A LOCAL GP THEY INSTANTLY WANTED TO FUNDRAISE FOR THEM AND ON THE 2ND MARCH, JOANNE A MEMBER OF THE GROUP, BRAVELY SHAVED HER HAIR OFF FOR THE CHARITY AND RAISED A BRILLIANT £311.00 TOWARDS THEIR FUNDRAISING.

Left to right: Dr Marc Epps (BASICS Devon responder), Joanne (Chocaccino Knitting Group), Amie Bull (BASICS Devon Fundraising Manager)

BASICS Devon volunteer responder Doctor Marc Epps went along to see the ladies to thank them for their hard work, as they reach an amazing £606.50 and will continue to support BASICS Devon this year.

From left to right: - Frances, Pat, Sandra, Linda, Joanne, Dr Mark Epps, Fatima (daughter Carolina in her arms but was more interested in the chocolate in window)!!, Jude, Ann and Ashleigh

Jude, the Chocaccino knitting group organiser recalls how it all started ‘Well, although the Knit Group has been going now for 7/8 years, it was only 3 years ago that we discussed the issue of fundraising. In 2016 we each produced a few Poppies, (some in crochet and some knitted). By the end of the venture we produced 100’s of them raising around £300 for the British Legion. We then agreed on an Animal Charity, Cinnamon Trust. During 2017 we raised £200 to enable them to upgrade some of their facilities in Hayle. So early in 2018 we had a group discussion as to who we would next support? Fatima, in her role as a General Practitioner, told us about all the amazing stuff BASICS Devon guys do. So that was us sold!!’

Jude explains how they raise the vital funds, ‘During a year we try to Knit, crochet or sew small seasonal items. i.e., Easter Chicks, Bunnies, Daffodils. Christmas bits like Mr & Mrs Santa Claus, baubles, chains. Hearts for Valentine’s Day. And just a small number of Poppies for Remembrance Sunday.’

This donation will make a real difference to the local community. It will help to ensure the volunteer doctors have current medical equipment and can continue to provide immediate access to specialist emergency medical care at the scene of illness or accident.

BASICS Devon want to say a huge thank you to the Chocaccino Knitting Group for their continued support and look forward to the rest of the year with them.

For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk