Find out how this crafty South Tyneside idea raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan

Lucy McKelvey, from East Boldon, is the owner of Lucy Locket Land – a shop offering craft materials and workshops – and is getting set to hold a knitathon fundraiser tomorrow.

Lucy, a former estate agent, says her shop was based on her love of crafts, but admits she had no prior experience running a business before opening back in April.

She says the positive response she has received has spurred her on to hold a fundraiser. The 12-hour event will run from 9am to 9pm at the business, at 53 Dovedale Road, Seaburn, Sunderland, in the hope of raising as much as possible for the charity.

Lucy said: “It is a new business, which opened in April, and it is a creative hub for people as we run lots of workshops from knitting to crocheting and pottery.

“It looks like a home rather than a shop and it is a place where people can go and do crafts and talk about what they are passionate about.

“We have had a great response since we opened.

“This Saturday we will be holding a 12-hour knitathon event for Macmillan, which will be a big knitting day and coffee morning to get the community involved.

“There will be a big charity raffle, and just from the sale of raffle tickets we have raised £466.”

Money raised from the charity event will go to Macmillan, which helps those going through cancer by providing care, as well as helping with money worries and advice about work.

It also provides support to those who just want to talk to someone who understands what they are going through.

During the fund-raising day, residents are invited to simply drop by the shop and make a donation to join in with the crafts on offer, enjoy homemade treats at the coffee morning, as well as take part in a raffle.

Lucy added: “My dad, Tim Lovel, was a consultant in palliative medicine at St. Benedict’s Hospice and is now retired, so cancer is something that I have had a lot of awareness of.

“I have not lost anyone close to me due to cancer, but I just came up with the idea and saw it as a good way of using my knowledge and contacts in crafting to raise money for a worthy cause.”

For details and to donate, visit: http://bit.ly/2wZ5bo.