Incredible Betty knits for homeless
Published on 27 December 2017 04:30 PM
The incredible story of a Sheffield woman teaching others to knit despite being diagnosed with dementia has highlighted the hope offered by the city’s leading older persons charity.
Betty Hudson, aged 85, from Jordanthorpe is donating nearly 200 woollen scarfs to homeless people after rediscovering her hobby by sharing her skills with staff at Age UK Sheffield’s Wellbeing Centre.
More than 550 feet of Betty’s beautiful stitching have filled two large sacks at the facility, despite an Alzheimers diagnosis and hospital stay two years ago threatening to put her much loved pastime on hold.
Natalie Wilson, wellbeing assistant coordinator at Age UK Sheffield, said: “Betty has been coming to The Wellbeing Centre for two years now, twice a week.
“It cropped up in conversation one day that she used to knit scarves to send abroad, but her passion and for talent for knitting had been lost after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
“Hearing this, one of my colleagues Hannah, asked if Betty could teach her how to knit, which she jumped at the chance to, and between them they reignited the idea of knitting the scarves and giving them to charity this Christmas.
“In the last six months, Betty has knitted 186 scarfs, totalling at 550ft, which she will donate to the Cathedral Archer Project, which is well known for supporting homeless people. Betty said that as long as they are helping someone she is happy to give them away.
“Betty is one of the most selfless, genuine and good hearted women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is constantly putting others before herself, both in her personal life and whilst at The Wellbeing Centre. Her positive attitude to life has an impact on us all and as a team she has become a very well loved and dear member of our extended Wellbeing Centre family.
“It has been a privilege to witness Betty’s charitable efforts and I am totally astounded at how many scarves she has actually knitted! We are all so thrilled that Betty has rediscovered her passion and is using it as a force for good. She has showed how much our service can transform lives.”
Age UK Sheffield’s Wellbeing Centre is a one-stop-shop for older people and their relatives which combines a range of support services in a safe, central hub. For more details, click here.