Crafters Respond to Plea for Knitted Chicks

The Francis House Easter Chick Knit 2015 resulted in 8,251 woolly creations from as far away as France, Spain, South Africa and Australia, winging their way into the hospice, topping last year’s total of 6,300 chicks.

The £1 chicks, filled with chocolate eggs donated by individuals, local businesses and supermarkets, were then sold to expectant pupils at 16 primary schools across the North West.

Francis House fundraiser Rachel Astill said: “We’re so grateful to the hundreds of knitters, plus all the businesses and individuals that donated eggs. We are delighted that once again so many generous people have given their time to back our annual chick knit appeal.

The annual chick knit was launched 15 years ago by Jackie Hadfield and eight hospice volunteers.

Knitters far and wide were once again asked to get their needles out, and 180 people responded.

As well as dedicated local supporters, chicks were posted in from across the UK, including Cambourne in Cornwall and the Orkney Islands.

The largest amount donated by a single knitter was 499 and staff at Virgin Media in Wythenshawe collected the biggest donation of 542 eggs.

Rachel added: “People remembered the appeal from last year and have been organising their own donations of eggs and knitting the chicks for them.

“Many groups have been knitting together, and lots of people who used to knit for their children and grandchildren said they dusted off their needles and started knitting again. It’s been fantastic.”

To see a video of all the knitted chicks, visit https://vimeo.com/123299035.

Inspired to knit for Francis House? Please download the Chick knitting pattern instructions 2016