Hats Off Sutton

It’s hat off to the knitters and crocheters of Sutton (and beyond) who knitted, purled and stitched a whopping 3925 hats for Age UK Sutton in the Big Knit, a partnership between Age UK and innocent smoothies which raises money for local work supporting vulnerable older people. 

The final hat count for Sutton is almost double the original 2000 hat target, and has raised a total of £981.25 for this vital local charity. 

Nicola Upton, Chief Executive of Age UK Sutton said:

 “As an independent local charity raising all of our own funds Age UK Sutton owes a massive thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Big Knit and helped us smash our target. This was the first time we took part, starting out with a target of 2000 hats which we had high hopes of getting.

The response from the Sutton community was so wonderful, and exceeded our expectations, so much so that we had to increase our target twice – first to 2500, then to 3000 - which we beat by a further 925 hats! 

We’ve seen some wacky, weird and wonderful creations come in, and the level of creativity among our Big Knitters is astonishing. We hope everyone who took part had fun and feels proud of this achievement; we certainly are, and we feel very lucky to be part of the generous, supportive community that is Sutton.” 

The Big Knit hats have now been posted to innocent’s headquarters, and will start appearing on smoothie bottles from October 2017. Each mini hat carries a 25p donation and the 3925 hats Age UK Sutton have sent has raised almost £1000 for the charity, to fund essential services like its Information & Advice service which helps thousands of people every year to live a better later life. 

Having knitted and crocheted up a storm, the Big Knitters of Sutton have earned a rest. However, if you can’t stay away from the needles too long, Age UK Sutton will be taking part in the Big Knit again next year, with a bigger and bolder target – 5000 hats to start with! So if you’d like, keep those needles clicking to start next year’s Big Knit with a bang! 

For more information about the Big Knit and fundraising via knitting, contact 

Menaka Lawrance 

E: menaka.lawrance@ageuksutton.org.uk

T: 020 8408 7025