Brenda knits bees for St Ann’s
Grandmother Brenda Jones has been a busy bee enjoying a passion for knitting since she was a little girl.
Her latest handy work will be on show at our Manchester Midnight Walk on Friday on Friday April 26.
Brenda’s stylish bee badges will be worn by entrants at the moonlit 10km walk, famed for its yellow and black theme. We have adopted a bee theme this year, recognising the working bee motif which symbolises the city’s industrial heritage.
Brenda has close links with the hospice from living near its Heald Green site. She was a volunteer at St Ann’s when it opened in 1971 and older brother Bill Farrell was a patient and died there in 1998.
Ruth Labrow, one of our Creative Therapists, suggested that Brenda’s knitting skills could help raise funds for the charity.
I sit next to Ruth in the Decibelles Ladies Choir and made the brooches to wear when we sang at a concert to mark the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena tragedy. The florists where my daughter works also sells them to raise funds for the charity and they were on sale at the hospice summer fair. I also make woollen bees to hang in cars. It just took off and I didn't realise how popular they would be. Brenda Jones
Brenda’s badges are being sent to team leaders organising groups in the walk. They will also be on sale on the night at Manchester Cathedral where the walk starts and ends.
The popular event has raised more than £2million since it began 13 years ago, and the money raised helps us continue to provide specialist care to local patients and their families.
The walk starts at midnight with warm up entertainment from 9pm, with music, disco and refreshments available.
Standard Adult Fee is £21 (aged 18 and over); Youth Walkers (minimum age 11-17) pay £11; Previous Walkers £16; Groups (5 or more) £16 per person.