A CREATIVE fashion and textiles professional from Oxford is sewing rainbow-themed cushions to raise money for workers at the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.
Beth Richardson who launched her business six months ago from her studio in Oxford makes high-quality, handmade, knitted interior and accessories.
However, as she fights to keep her young business afloat, she also felt that she wanted 'to do her bit' for healthcare staff 'who are bearing the brunt of this crisis for us'.
Since the beginning of the pandemic Ms Richardson has been trying to figure out a way to contribute and now she is sewing unique cushions to 'spread hope'.
The creative said: "In the last two months the world has changed completely.
"Whilst I still need my fledgling business to make an income, I also felt I wanted to do something to acknowledge the frontline workers.
"So, I decided to design and knit a cushion that would be colourful and bring a smile to people's face.
"I chose to use rainbow colours and hearts to show our love for healthcare staff."
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There are two stunning designs available in the 'NHS series' of cushions and each is a standard size, square 12 by 12 inches shape.
The handmade accessories cost £23 each including delivery and Ms Richardson vowed that 20 per cent of the sales will be donated.
Her chosen charity is NHS Charities Together – the same organisation that national hero Captain Tom Moore ended up fundraising almost £33 million for by walking 100 laps in his garden in in Marston Moretaine.
So far Ms Richardson has sold, made and delivered 24 cushions, raising a total of £110.40.
The response from members of the public has been 'overwhelming', the Oxford resident said.
She added: "People are being so enthusiastic about the finished product that it has encouraged me to try to spread the word more widely."
Many have praised Ms Richardson's skilled work on her business page 'Bethan Lily Knit' where she posted photographs of the rainbow designs.
One Facebook user Louise Fudge who had purchased two of the colourful cushions commented: "They are beautiful; I sent these to my daughter who is a nurse and my son-in-law who is a prison governor.
"They both love them."
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Ms Fudge added that her two grandchildren were so inspired by the gesture that they dressed up as nurses with the hope to receive rainbow cushions too.
Another resident Debbie Clark said she was very inspired by Ms Richardson's skilled work and style.
She wrote under the photographs: "They really are beautiful.
"I made a flower cushion, very similar to yours, using my vintage knitting machine."
Many also praised her work, describing the designs as 'lush', 'super cute and cheerful' and 'beautiful'.
To make an order for the rainbow cushions get in touch via bethanlilyknit@gmail.com
To have a look at some of Ms Richardson's other textile designs visit her website bethanlilyknit.bigcartel.com
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