Irene, Sir Robert Martin Court, Retirement Living

Meet Irene, she came to Sir Robert Martin Court after spending over 10 years living in Cyprus with her husband Pete. When returning to Leicestershire they knew no one so decided that they would join the U3A and taking part in the History group, Camera group and the Knit and Natter group, where she knitted or crocheted for the Leicester hospital baby unit. She created numerous blankets, hats and vests and sadly sets of blankets and teddies for babies that were born asleep.

When they moved in at Sir Robert Martin Court Irene started her own Knit and Natter group every Tuesday at 10am. The group have made many blankets which are given to the Salvation Army, Ukraine and also a charity based in Africa supporting newborn babies.

Irene is seen in the picture above showing the sunflowers that she knitted for their In Bloom gardening event.

Maureen, Dossett Court, Retirement Living

Meet Maureen, she lives at Dossett Court and has been nominated by her friend Susan to share her story.

Maureen has been donating gloves, hats and scarves to the homeless over the years and she also knits items to send to Ukraine.

Not only has she been busy sending knitted items to Ukrainian refugees, but she has also been sending toiletries, toothpaste toothbrushes and soap etc.

Susan says: “Maureen is a very kind and talented lady. She is in her 80’s and has beaten breast cancer over 20 years ago.”

Freda, East Croft Court, Retirement Living

Meet Freda, who is 93 and has lived at East Croft Court for the past 14 years. She enjoys knitting for charity and specifically knits hats for boys and girls at the local children’s hospitals. She also knits blankets for care homes, hats and scarves for Christmas shoe boxes to send to Africa and socks for women in care homes.

She said: “I love knitting every day for a great cause.”