The Lewy Body Society are looking for knitters to help craft a giant 244-metre #AScarfForLewy to wrap around the Royal Albert Hall, to show support for those living with Lewy body dementia.
Knitters wanting to take part can send their handmade piece by the 15th August. As long as it’s 30cm/1 foot wide, it can be any length—the longer the better!
Celebrities such as Dame Prue Leith DBL, Anne Robinson and Paula Wilcox have already submitted their #AScarfForLewy.
The Lewy Body Society funds research into Lewy body dementia, a little-known type of dementia that is very different to the most common type, Alzheimer’s disease, and requires different support and treatment.
It’s estimated that 15-20% of people living with dementia have Lewy body dementia, which often causes the motor problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, as well as the progressive decline in cognitive abilities found in other forms of dementia.
Jacqui Cannon, Chief Executive of The Lewy Body Society, explained the giant scarf would symbolise the wraparound support available for those living with Lewy body dementia, while also raising awareness of this very often misdiagnosed condition.
She said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Prue and her fellow celebrities for their support, and to all the knitters up and down the country who’ve got out their needles in support of A Scarf for Lewy.
“We still need plenty more scarves for the finished piece to make sure we can wrap around the entire Royal Albert Hall, so we’re encouraging hobby crafters and knitting groups to get involved over the next few weeks to help us achieve our aim and showcase #AScarfForLewy.
“Through this unique event, we hope more people will hear about Lewy body dementia and show their support to families affected by the disease.”
#AScarfForLewy FAQs
When do I need to send my scarf by?
The deadline for receipt of scarves is Monday 15th August 2022.
What does my scarf need to look like?
Your scarf should be 30cm/1 foot wide and can be any length (the longer the better). It can be any yarn, any stitch and any pattern. It can be any colour, plain or with stripes or spots.
Where do I send my scarf?
Please post your scarf to the following address:
A Scarf for Lewy
c/o Green Tree Court
81 Harrington Lane
Exeter
EX4 8NS
When will the scarf be unveiled?
The 244-metre scarf will be unveiled at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore London, SW7 2AP, on Thursday 22nd September 2022.
I can’t knit, how else can I show my support?
You can always donate a scarf that you no longer need, as long as it’s knitted and the right size (30cm/1 foot wide, any length).
What will happen to the scarves afterwards?
The scarves will be separated, and we will donate them to homeless and refugee groups to ensure they are put to good use. If we have any celebrity scarves, we will auction them.
Jacqueline Munro I am the Digital Content Editor at "The People's Friend", looking after our website, social media channels and podcast.
