Press Release

10th June 2008

IS PHYLLIS DONALDSON THE OLDEST FEED THE

CHILDREN KNITTER IN THE LAND?

99-year old Phyllis Donaldson from East Ardsley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire is still producing beautiful blankets and knitted jumpers in her centenary year to support Feed The Children UK’s humanitarian work around the world.

Says Phyllis, “I am not sure whether I am the oldest knitter the charity has, but it is feeling so sorry for the little children in the orphanages in Africa that helps to keep me going.  It would be interesting to see whether there is anyone else out there still knitting for Feed The Children at my age.”

Says Feed The Children’s chief executive, Brian Main, “We have a loyal circle of knitters and it would be interesting to find if any are more senior than Phyllis.  It is not something we generally like to do – ask our older supporters how old they are but we feel it is well worth celebrating rather than hiding!  Knitting is often regarded as a relaxing and therapeutic pastime, but in our case it also saves lives.”  

Feed The Children UK concentrates aid on children suffering the effects of poverty, especially those who have been orphaned or abandoned. The charity works worldwide to develop sustainable communities and provide food and other necessities for those in great need. Even in the hot continent of Africa, children need knitted clothing and warm blankets. The temperature can drop at night by several degrees and a small under-nourished child is particularly at risk from the potentially fatal effects of hypothermia.  

If you would like to find out more about Feed The Children UK’s work, please ring 0118 932 0095 or visit www.feedthechildren.org.uk now.

ENDS

For further information call:  Sue Hinton or David Saunderson at DSH PR on 01252 408820.   Issued on behalf of Feed The Children UK (charity no. 1034916) by DSH Public Relations – 01252 408820, fax 01252 375027, email pr@dshpr.co.uk