A 12-hour crochet challenge in Ayr has raised £650 for Ayrshire Hospice after three members of The Crafty Coo crocheted flowers in the window of the shop at 72 Sandgate.
Shirley Mitchell, Val Riddiough and Jackie Macdonald took part in the fundraiser, working from 9am until 9pm on Sunday, August 30. The public were invited to visit during the day, join in, offer encouragement or show their support.
The event also brought new faces into the shop, with experienced crocheters and people who had never tried it before taking an interest. Supporters donated yarn, and the team said there was so much material that not all of it was used during the challenge.
119 flowers made during 12-hour challenge
By the end of the marathon session, the trio had made 119 crochet flowers. Shirley Mitchell said the fundraiser had gone “even better than we hoped”, crediting the generosity of people who came along.
“It was honestly amazing. Doing it in the shop window really was the right thing to do as it really got people's attention.”
There was also support from The Tree House, directly across the road, which provided free tea and cake for people taking part. A young girl called Molly, who attends The Crafty Coo’s crochet classes, helped with the countdown during the final hour.
The 12-hour effort took its toll on the crocheters. Shirley said she lost the feeling in her pinkie during the session, although it had returned by the time she spoke about the event. Near the end, physiotherapist Ailsa made a surprise visit to give the three participants a massage.
Flowers to support hospice fundraising
People from Ayrshire Hospice also visited the shop, alongside members of the public who had not previously been inside. The yarn left over from the challenge is due to be used for further fundraising items, including more flowers, which will be sold to support the hospice.
The Crafty Coo team are now preparing for a Go Purple fundraiser for Ayrshire Hospice next month, with further details expected to be announced.
The fundraiser followed The Crafty Coo’s successful pop-up in Newmarket Street in June 2023. The business opened its permanent shop in November 2024.