Oct
10
Knitwear designer Louisa Harding has just released her next three hat designs in her Himalayan Himalayan Hiking Hats series in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
In stressful times, a bit of knitting can really help, and few things are as stressful as the illness of a loved one, as Louisa can confirm.
When Louisa’s beloved husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma in January 2011, the whole family benefited from the help of Macmillan Cancer Support. “Our health district has a specific Macmillan funded unit which meant Stephen was treated nearer to home by Macmillan trained specialist chemotherapy nurses who are amazing.”
To give back to the charity, Louisa has taken on a huge challenge, signing up to take part in a seven-day rough trek (including sleeping in tent, using long drop toilets, and walking the terrain of the Himalayas for up to nine hours a day.
“I’m really a very average wife, mum, daughter, knitwear designer, dog walker, but my goal is to complete the challenge and raise £3,900 for Macmillan Cancer Support.”
To increase the amount going to Macmillan, Louisa has also designed two trios of Himalayan Hiking Hat patterns for knitters to download, the latest of which, Lamakhet, Parju and Tara, are pictured here. In return for the patterns she asks that you make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Louisa vows to wear the six stylish hats throughout her trek (probably sleeping in them as well!) and take lots of photos which she will be uploading to her website. She also hopes to knit a hat during the adventure.
“Since Stephen finished chemotherapy in June 2011 he has continued to be monitored and receives amazing care,” Louisa says. “As you can see, he is flourishing – he’s the one with the beard, wearing the Stripy Karuwa Hat in the pictures above!”
She adds: “Stephen’s new mantra is ‘Life has to be lived with a capital F for Fun!’ It’s an ethos which myself, the children Belle and Oscar, our family and friends have all embraced!”
We’re utterly inspired. Good luck with the trek, Louisa!
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