Gidea Park woman raises thousands for hospice by knitting bunnies

Jan Smith has raised more than £10,000 for Saint Francis Hospice by knitting bunnies (Image: Jan Smith)

Jan Smith, 66, received a handwritten message of thanks from Saint Francis Hospice chief executive, Pam Court, in recognition of her "amazing" work.

Jan was sent a personal message by Saint Francis Hospice chief executive Pam Court. (Image: Jan Smith)

Jan took up the hobby when her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago.

Jan sells her creations to raise money for charity (Image: Jan Smith)

She explained: "I struggled with it big time, and just needed something to take my mind off it.

Jan is also a volunteer for bereavement service OrangeLine (Image: Jan Smith)

"That's why I began knitting, and have kept going ever since."

Jan has knitted her way into raising over £10,000 for charity (Image: Jan Smith)

Now Jan has made countless figures, including bunnies dressed in a variety of creative costumes, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

These love bunnies are tying the knot (Image: Jan Smith)

"It's escalated, really, and gone a bit crazy," she admitted.

"It's got bigger and bigger, with people asking me to make specific things, and inviting me to events to sell them.

"If you're having an event or coffee morning, please do invite me along to sell my knitted goods."

Jan makes cute figures for charity (Image: Jan Smith)

Some of Jan's most topical products are knitted characters which she puts little hand sanitisers inside of.

Knitted hand sanitiser holders (Image: Jan Smith)

People and supermarkets have even donated wool for Jan to use to support her cause.

These cacti aren't as prickly as they look (Image: Jan Smith)

"I just want to help the hospice, and raise even more money," she added.

These bunnies will knit tolerate any bad behaviour (Image: Jan Smith)