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Friday, August 20, 2010

Knitting for Mercy

Theresa Rowntree, (75) from Braintree in Essex, who recently lost her sight, is part of a knitting team producing teddy bears for child patients onboard the Africa Mercy.

Rebecca Bond from Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire, was deeply touched by stories from her sister, who volunteered onboard the Africa Mercy in Togo earlier this year. Rebecca wanted to do something to help. She had heard how comforting the teddy bears were when children would come onboard the ship to receive treatment, and so created an advert, asking for knitters, to produce as many teddy bears as they can.

Theresa’s daughter read the advert and thought that knitting teddies for Mercy Ships using a simple pattern was a way to re-ignite her mother’s interest in knitting. Friends and family had always said that Theresa could knit with her eyes closed.

Rebecca is keen for as many people in the local area to help in her knitting mission. She said: “Anyone who can knit will find this pattern easy to do and the joy it brings to children is beyond imaginable. These young children are often very frightened and also very poor so to receive a gift like this means a great deal to them and sees them through a difficult time. “I am surprised at the amount of people who have responded to the appeal and delighted by the number of teddies that arrive almost daily.” Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “This is an amazing gesture by Rebecca and all the knitters. Donations like this make such a difference to the child patients on board the Africa Mercy who love teddies just as much as children here. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that had kindly given their time to knit teddies for the children on the ship. Their efforts show real compassion and commitment”.

If you would like to help Rebecca in her knitting mission and would like details or the pattern please ‘phone her on 01763 246556 (leave a message) or email beccibond@hotmail.com

1 comment:

101or999 said...

To all the Togo Teddy Knitters:
Thank you to everyone that has produced a teddy for The Mercy Ships heading out to Africa.
As you can see from the photograph, the response has been terrific. I reckon I must have well over 300 now. We're getting ready to ship them to Stevenage where some of them will be moving on to The Southampton Boat Show to raise awareness there in September.
Thank you so much.
Very kindest regards
Rebecca Bond