Lawyers in Plymouth have been putting their pens down and picking up their knitting needles in order to help a local charity.
Staff at Gill Akaster have hand knitted a colourful patchwork blanket from 77 squares of fabric, which they then handed over to the Ellie’s Haven charity, accompanied by a cheque for £863.
They were even assisted by Rowan Yarns, who donated all the wool for the special project.
Plymouth Herald reports that a team of 18 were involved in the scheme to help the charity, which was set up following the death of six-year-old Ellie Libby, from Looe, who died last year following a hard-fought battle with a rare brain disorder.
The brave youngster’s parents, Nigel and Julie Libby, later set up the charity to offer relief to other children suffering from long-term and life-limited illnesses.
They have bought a property in Cornwall, which would act as a safe haven for poorly children to enjoy a family holiday.
However, to get the property up and running by 2015, £250,000 of building work and other costs will need to be spent.
Stephen Ramsden, managing partner of law firm Gill Akaster, told the publication that Ellie’s Haven was chosen as its annual charity and staff had been raising money throughout the year.
For their final fundraiser, Mr Ramsden said they thought they would try something different by knitting the blanket and even finishing it off with finger-knitting.
"Creating the blanket brought all the team together with 18 staff knitting and the rest of the firm supporting by way of sponsorship.
"It was a real team effort and we must also thank Coats Crafts UK for donating the wool,” he went on to say.
Mr Libby thanked the team for helping raise vital funds and revealed that the blanket will be used in the holiday home, with all money going towards adapting the property to meet the needs of the families who go and stay there.
