Newtownabbey boy spins a yarn and raises cash for charity

Daniel Simms (10) got hooked on the craft of crocheting during lockdown and is now hoping to raise funds for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

Self-taught by online videos, Daniel started off making small items such as keyrings, but soon became more ambitious and has now made a range of animals including bears, birds and seahorses which are threatening to overtake the house. At the moment he’s working on a five-foot dragon.

His mum Carol Magill said: “I’m not sure where he got the idea from. He just picked it up on YouTube, watched a few videos and away he went.

“He’s had plenty of time to be creative during lockdown. Daniel and I both have mild asthma so we have been staying at home as much as possible. It’s brilliant that he’s found a way of entertaining himself.”

Now Daniel wants to auction off his furry friends in memory of his Scout Leader Beverly Fisher, from Whitehouse Scout Group, who died of cancer recently.

Daniel often turns to his local crafting community, paying visits to The Yarn Patch in Newtownabbey and Lighthouse Yarns in Whitehead when his supplies of wool and hooks run low. He has designed a range of fun characters, all using his own pocket money.

Emma Keys, Community Fundraising Officer at Cancer Focus NI, said: “What a fantastic idea by a very talented and motivated young man. During these difficult and uncertain times, the local community across Northern Ireland have continued to show their support for Cancer Focus NI and we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s fantastic fundraising efforts, from quizzes to sporting challenges and more.

“Daniel’s crocheted creations are extraordinary and I only wish I was that talented!

“The money he raises will help us to continue to support cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, cancer does not stop during a pandemic with 36 new diagnoses in Northern Ireland each day.

“I hope Daniel knows how grateful we are for all his hard work and how his donations will go towards helping local cancer patients. A very gifted and driven boy, we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!”

To enter Daniel’s raffle, go to JustGiving and search for Daniel’s Lockdown Crochet Raffle.

If you would like to get some great ideas for your own virtual fundraiser for the charity, visit www.cancerfocusni.org/event/virtual or email [email protected]

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