The Sensational Six
2303. Beryl Fairclough
Beryl Fairclough, aged 77, from Barnsley, is a retired NHS ward clerk who has raised over £10,000 for ‘Barnsley Hospital Charity’ through knitting for the last 50 years.
Beryl was taught to knit by her grandmother at age 5, and as well as a hobby, found knitting a way to connect with others and create social groups. Beryl worked for the NHS for 12 years, and after seeing her friends require treatment for various conditions, and herself requiring surgery following a case of Sepsis, wanted to find a way to help the NHS through fundraising.
Beryl, who coordinates her fellow team of volunteers, known as the ‘Sensational Six’, knits weekly to create items that are sold in local vendors and hospitals, and runs seasonal appeals, of which Easter is her largest, and has sold hundreds of knitted chickens, rabbits and ducks alongside chocolate eggs every year for charity.
The award for Beryl coincides with Good Friday.
Emma Parkes, Director of Marketing and Communications at ‘Barnsley Hospital Charity’, said:
“We are delighted to hear Beryl will receive national recognition from the Prime Minister for all her hard work and effort. Beryl has devoted thousands of hours, and raised thousands of pounds for our charity and we send her our best wishes and biggest congratulations.”
Beryl:
“I’m thrilled that people appreciate what I’ve done. This award is not only for me, but for the ‘Sensational Six’ who knit and craft to help fundraise for Barnsley Hospital and associated charities.”
Find out more about ‘Barnsley Hospital Charity’