We need knitters! Ready for the launch of the Butterfly Relay in May, heroes up and down the country have hand knitted butterflies ready for their big adventure as participants walk, swim, cycle and run 21,000km together for children with the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma. We are expecting huge numbers of registrants at what’s set to be the biggest relay of the year, so we need the support of knitters up and down the country to meet demand. Novice and experienced knitters alike are welcome to join #TeamButterfly Knitters by registering and downloading the pattern.

Around 100 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the UK every year. Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer that affects the very youngest of children, and most children are under 5 years old when diagnosed. Children battling neuroblastoma undergo some of the most gruelling cancer treatment of all childhood cancers, and tragically, even after treatment the cancer can come back. If it does, survival rates drop to a devastating 1 in 10. Solving Kids’ Cancer are fighting for a future where no child dies of neuroblastoma or suffers due to its treatment. The fund innovative clinical research to find more effective and less toxic treatment for children and the Family Support Service provides support, information and pastoral care to children and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Hannah was diagnosed with high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2003, at the age of 3 years old. Following years of treatment, relapses, more treatment and some wonderful happy times too, she sadly died in 2010 aged just 9 years old. In honour of what would have been her daughter Hannah’s 21st Birthday, mum Clare has inspired and worked with Solving Kids’ Cancer to launch the Butterfly Relay.

“Hannah fought for so long, I feel like she wouldn’t want me to just give up and walk away. She’d go ‘well what are you going to do now then? Come on, let’s go’, she was so stubborn and wonderful that I feel like I can’t just stop. These children need us, they need us to keep forging ahead and finding a better way.” Clare Andrew

The relay is open to all and people can take part as individuals or create a team with friends, family or colleagues https://thebutterflyrelay.raisely.com/

Inspired by Hannah, Clare and her friends began knitting butterflies for participants to carry with them during their relay. Knitting fever has truly struck, and many more people are getting involved and knitting butterflies ready for May. To become part of #TeamButterflyKnitters, visit https://www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/Event/butterflyrelay to download the free pattern and get knitting! Tag us on instagram (@skc_365) in your pictures and use #TeamButterflyKnitters so we can see your amazing efforts!

“I decided to join #TeamButterflyKnitters after attending the amazing Solving Kids’ Cancer Carol Concert which inspired me to do more and get involved. Knitting butterflies has made me feel part of the community and doing good just by knitting!” Morag, Nottingham
Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids’ Cancer, said of the Butterfly Relay, “Clare is a true inspiration, and we cannot wait for people to join #TeamButterfly and help us go the distance. It is children like Hannah who drive Solving Kids’ Cancer to do all it can for children and families and be fully focused on our vision for a world without neuroblastoma.”
Once you’re finished knitting your butterflies, simply pop them in the post and send them off to our fabulous friends at Henley Shipping who are looking after them in their warehouse until they are ready to fly out to relayers across the country!

Join Clare and #TeamButterfly in May for this year’s biggest fundraising relay at https://thebutterflyrelay.raisely.com/ to go the distance and make a difference for children like Hannah. The Butterfly Relay is raising money for Solving Kids’ Cancer, a charity which is fighting for a future where no child dies of neuroblastoma or suffers due to its treatment. All funds raised directly fund Solving Kids’ Cancer research programme and the Family Support Service.

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN AND GET KNITTING TODAY!

Want to do more for charity? Check out the Big Issue North fundraiser..