Francis House is looking for volunteer knitters for Easter chick appeal

Appeal for knitters and crafters to support the Easter Knitted Chick Appeal 2026.

Young woman with long brown hair wearing a white hoodie holding a box of multi coloured knitted chicks stood in an office setting. — Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer of Francis House is appealing for donations of knitted chicks.

With the help of more than 600 knitters the annual chick knit raised a staggering £95,000 in 2025 and staff at the hospice want to surpass this in 2026.

The Easter campaign makes a big difference to Francis House. With daily running costs of more than £15,900, the charity relies on fundraising ventures like this one to continue to expand and develop its services supporting the families of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer of Francis House, said: “Our Easter Chick Appeal is back for 2026, and we’re on a mission to collect as many knitted chicks and bunnies as we can. If you’re part of a knitting group, a solo knitter or crocheter, or you know someone who just loves to knit, it’s easy to get involved. Our free knitting patterns are designed to hold a small chocolate egg and by sending us your cute creations you’ll be helping us support the families of seriously ill children.”

Colourful knitted wool chick held in a hand with a chocolate creme egg inside — Every chick sold helps fund the work of the hospice.

Knitting and crochet patterns for chicks and bunnies are available, and supporters are encouraged to send their finished items to the hospice on Parrswood Road in Didsbury as soon as possible. This will ensure there is enough time to fill the chicks with a Creme Egg to sell in schools and colleges, shops, cafes, local businesses and workplaces for £2 each before the Easter holidays.

Finished chicks and donations of Creme Eggs can be dropped off or posted to the Fundraising Office, Francis House Children’s Hospice, Parrswood Road, Didsbury M20 5NA, marking your parcel ‘Easter Chicks’.

“Our Chick Appeal is a real community effort and we invite knitters, egg collectors, chick delivery drivers, schools and vendors to come forward and help make 2026 our best year yet,” added Rachel.

For more information on the appeal and to download a pattern visit Francis House Easter Chick Knit or call the hospice on 0161 443 2200.

Francis House Children’s Hospice supports more than 435 families from across Greater Manchester. The hospice provides holistic care in a home from home environment to children and young adults who have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Support is offered to the whole family and includes physical, emotional and psychological care from a dedicated multi-disciplinary care team. In addition to respite care the teams at the hospice also provide homecare and community support. The total running cost of Francis House per year is £5.8 million. Out of every £1 spent 94p goes towards charitable work.