7 February 2025

Knitters boost hedgehog rescue funds

by Rebecca Hannant

A pair of knitters from Hornsea have raised more than £800 for a local hedgehog rescue centre.

Since June, crafters Teresa Jennison and Elaine Welsh have been busy knitting a range of glittery hedgehogs large and small to raise money for Lucky Hedgehog Rescue in Grimston.

The pair were inspired to support the charity after a friend told them about the work it did, and how it relied solely on funding.

They previously ran a fundraiser for NCI Filey by knitting a range of knitted Easter chick egg covers. In total they managed to raise £102 for the organisation.

For their latest knitting project Teresa and Elaine organised a coffee morning on Saturday, July 13, at Longbeach Caravan Park, where they sold more than 180 hedgehogs.

The coffee morning was supported by members of the community who organised a “name the bear” competition and a tombola. Others made cakes, cheesecakes and muffins.

The hedgehogs and the coffee morning raised £837 for Lucky Hedgehog Rescue.

Teresa said: “We are very proud to say that between the knitting and coffee morning we have raised £837.

“None of this would have been possible without all the wonderful people who have either donated or bought. We would also like to thank all the amazing people who came even though it was raining and supported us with such incredible generosity.

“We would also like to thank the Bay Tree and her customers who raised over £150 with the knitted hedgehogs, the flower shop on Cliff Road, Chip ‘n’ Gails, Central Garage, the Food Shop, Lottie from Lush Lashes, East Coast Fishing Tackle, Endearing

Cakes, Five Bites and Boyes. We would also like to thank all the people who bought the hedgehogs and those who displayed the posters. Finally, we would like to thank Tesco for their support.”

Elaine added: “Teresa had the pattern for hedgehogs as she knitted them when she was a carer, so we just started with a few, and the rest is history.

“We never thought we would raise that sort of money, but we are extremely pleased. It’s surprising how time-consuming they are to make even though they are small, but we loved every minute.”

Lucy Felgate-Baumberg, owner of Lucky Hedgehog Rescue, said: “We are extremely grateful and thankful to Teresa and Elaine for all their hard work. They sold their knitted hedgehogs and organised the recent coffee morning that, combined, raised £837 for our rescue.

“Huge thanks to those who assisted them on the day, and to those who contributed bakes and prizes, and of course thanks to all who supported it by attending.

“We plan to have more coffee mornings soon and would love to hear from venues that are willing to donate or discount their premises or gardens for us. Contact us at [email protected].”