Melina Robinson, the mother of courageous teen fundraiser, Lucia Robinson, is planning a pyjama-making marathon to honour Lucia on what would have been her seventeenth birthday.
Lucia passed away last June after battling astrocytoma, an aggressive cancer of the spinal cord, for more than a year. During that time, she raised thousands of pounds for children’s cancer charities and the fundraising has continued in her name ever since, with the total raised now approaching £15,000.
Melina is working in conjunction with Writhlington School and the charity, Wrap Pyjama Fairies, to try to make 100 pairs of pyjamas for children in hospital.
“Children who are staying in hospital can find the process of being examined and given medicine very frightening, whether it’s their first time or they have been many times,” said Melina, who lives in Frome with her husband and two young sons. “The pyjamas are specially designed to make examinations as easy as possible and having some fun, comfortable pyjamas can make it a lot easier for the children, parents and medical professionals.”
Writhlington School, where Lucia was a student, has offered to host the event. “The school leaders are being wonderfully supportive, as they have always been.” Melina said, “And because we have such a great venue, we have set our sights high!”
The Go Blue For Lucia team have decided to try for 100 sets of pyjamas in a day.
If you would like to join in, the pattern is very simple and no previous sewing experience is required. All materials and equipment will be provided and experienced sewists are of course also exceptionally welcome!
There is no charge to be involved in the event, but if participants would like to donate, Go Blue For Lucia are always collecting tea, coffee and other supplies for the parents’ refuge rooms in Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Details of the event, which takes place on Saturday, 21st May, can be found at Go Blue For Lucia’s Facebook page and via the website: www.goblue forlucia.com