Organisers of an event to remember young fundraiser and record-breaker, Emma Welch, say they have been amazed by the enthusiasm of local crocheters, who have been donating their crocheted daisies to break a World Record. In fact, you have all been working so hard, that the record was smashed by over double the amount!

In the end, 31,082 daisies were received from around the world, which were

displayed on the Bath Forum stage, in tribute to Emma, who passed away a year ago to the day, following complications from back surgery to correct scoliosis of the spine. Daisy was Emma’s middle name, and her close friend, Victoria Roberts, has since carried on the fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, using one of Emma’s record-breaking Snowdon teddies, Daisy Bear.

Victoria’s mother, Sandra Roberts, said the event went well, despite not breaking the second World Record for the number of people crocheting simultaneously. She said: “Sadly we were short of people, but there were still 428 people who had a five minute timed crocheting session, and so we have decided that we have set a new record for The Forum and for the UK, unless anyone else knows any differently!

“We hope to raise valuable funds for Brain Tumour Research by selling the daisies and are in talks with Yeo Valley about possibly displaying the daisies at their gardens in Blagdon in August.

“I am very proud of Victoria, she has worked really hard to make all of this happen, firstly learning to crochet and then teaching her friends. We have had such positive stories from people, but of course, some sad stories, too.

“Thank you to everybody who helped and was involved and also to The Forum for letting us use their venue.”Emma's father, Tony Welch, adds: “The attempts to break the crochet world records on the first anniversary of losing Emma gave Lesley and I something to focus on which helped a lot. It wasn’t until the evening that it hit us, and we were back grieving. “I want to thank everyone who got involved, but particularly Victoria and Sandra Roberts for their huge efforts – the appeal for daisies went international, with people from countries like America, Spain and France answering the call. “Also I want to mention Andrew Stammers, who was Emma’s inspiration to become a fundraiser and set herself some amazing challenges. Andrew stood up on Saturday to thank everyone who came and explained that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. “Having learnt some valuable lessons, we are now planning our next challenge in Emma’s memory and to continue her legacy!”

Readers can follow Daisy Bear’s next fundraising adventure via Facebook: www.facebook.com/daisy.bear.750