Turner’s teddies help kids in need
Teddy delivery...Sandra Clelland, Bev Bradley, Elaine Turner, Margaret Smith and Sam Martin with some of the hundreds of teddy bears being at the collection point of Wycliffe Medical Practice in Lutterworth. (Mail Picture: Andrew Carpenter/MHMP 001602-48)
A WOMAN has inspired the creation of 2,000 knitted teddies which are used to comfort children all around the world.
Elaine Turner, of Lutterworth Rotary Club first began knitting with a purpose when she saw an advert in a church magazine asking people to make sleeveless cardigans for children with drips on their arms.
She also read an article reporting children in war torn countries recover more quickly if they have a teddy.
Mrs Turner enjoyed knitting the teddies so much she placed an advert in local newspapers asking other people to share in her knitting joy.
She was inundated with calls from people who wanted the pattern so that they could help her in her teddy making quest.
The deliveries to her home in Lutterworth were so frequent that the postman became used to daily deliveries and would post them through the cat flap.
Although one or two knitters sent a couple of teddies there were many who became frequent suppliers.
The last collection of 300 was received from the Fabric Guild, Cobden Street Leicester, Cornblow Quilters and Countesthorpe Piecemakers.
Patients at The Wycliffe Medical Practice have also been knitting for the project.
When Mrs Turner called the number she found on the advert she was disappointed to find the woman she spoke to no longer wanted any teddies.
She was not to be deterred and researched other organisations able to take them. The teddies have gone to many charities and good casues helping children all around the world.
As well as helping disadvantaged children the project gives much joy to the knitters many of who are housebound and enjoy having a reason to knit.
As well as teddies the knitters also make tiny blankets and sleeveless cardigans, scarves and mittens for refugees and large blankets for the British Red Cross for fire victims.
Mrs Turner thanked people who aid her to give children in need of a comfort giving teddy.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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