Pat’s crochet for a cause
Pat has long loved crochet as a hobby. “Over the years I made many beautiful rugs and donated them to nursing homes to raffle and support their work,” she said. “When I got my Parkinson’s diagnosis, it gave me a real purpose for my crochet.” More than just a way to pass the time, Pat’s skills became a way to contribute. “Knowing I could help raise money, I was keen to keep creating. Every little bit could help fund more nurses to support more people with Parkinson’s.” Pat got to work learning new patterns she could raffle for charity. “Granny squares can be cheerful, but they can also get boring,” she said. “I searched online for new designs and joined ‘crochet-alongs’ to learn new stitches.” Pat crocheted colourful and intricate rugs, but it wasn’t until she discovered a fun new project that her crocheting really took off. “I became obsessed with making my cute, colourful ‘Cheeky Chickens,’” Pat said. “My Parkinson’s Specialist, Dr Ramesh, offered to have the Cheeky Chickens for sale in his rooms, where his wonderful reception staff handled the sales.” “In total, I made 109 chickens, and what kept me going was knowing that every little chicken helped to get another Nurse to help another person diagnosed with Parkinson’s.” While she might not be able to face crocheting another chicken, Pat still enjoys picking up her hook for her wellbeing. She’s part of a few crochet and knitting groups where she enjoys a cuppa and a good laugh. Pat has turned a challenging diagnosis into a meaningful way to give back - one Cheeky Chicken at a time.
Above: A rug Pat crocheted for a Parkinson’s fundraising auction.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Pat from Dardanup turned to her lifelong hobby of crochet to give back and support others living with the condition . “To be diagnosed with an illness that you know nothing about can be very daunting,” Pat said of her Parkinson’s diagnosis a few years ago. “Folk with Parkinson’s are supported by Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists. These nurses visit us at home and support not only us, but our family and carers. The best part is that it is a free service. Having a Parkinson’s Nurse come to your house and explain the illness and what I can do to help myself was a huge gift.”
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