Higham and Rushden Trefoil guiders' lockdown marathon gets blanket coverage

A group of women from Higham Ferrers and Rushden who set out on a creative marathon to produce 26 blankets are expecting to treble their total.

Members of the Higham and Rushden Trefoil Guild took part in the London Marathon 2.6 Challenge, a fundraiser replacing the cancelled London Marathon based on the number 26.

Taking up their knitting needles, crochet hooks and sewing machines, the 30-strong group have produced blankets for babies and care home residents, some of which will be sent to Romania.

Marie Burton, guild chairman, said: "The challenge caught my eye and I decided that I would challenge the ladies to knit 26 blankets between us and the guild would donate them to a charity.

"Well, they certainly have risen to the challenge and produced an amazing 63 blankets - 35 baby blankets, 13 for Romania and 15 knee blankets for residential homes.

"They are all quite special and will keep someone warm this coming winter."

More than 130 balls of wool have been used to create the dazzling display of knitted goodies and the ladies have promised to keep going.

Baby blankets are being given to young mums in Northamptonshire through a scheme supported by St Mary's Church in Rushden.

Knee blankets will be distributed to care homes in Rushden and Higham with the Romania-bound blankets being part of Link to Hope's Shoebox Appeal.

Jennifer Blackman has been dedicating all her spare time to the project, producing two colourful squares a day.

She said: "I just sit and knit. I put off other jobs to do it. I'm doing it because it's a good cause. They are so pleased to see them."

The guild, which is part of Girl Guiding, usually meet once a month at Rusden's Highfield Baptist Church with meetings welcoming speakers and taking part in challenges.

Members also go camping, support other guiders, organise holidays together and go out for lunches but the programme is on hold due to Covid restrictions.

Mrs Burton said: "I've been involved in Girl Guiding since I was seven years old. I was a guider for more than 40 years.

"We like a challenge. I would like to thank everybody for their contributions. They just keep on coming and we will be carrying on with it. It won't stop I'm sure."

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