32,000 knitted chicks bring Easter cheer to Francis House Children’s Hospice

Francis House Children’s Hospice has seen a flurry of activity of the woolly kind as more than 32,000 knitted chicks and bunnies flocked through the Hospice doors during a whirlwind Easter.

Supporters up and down the country sent in their handcrafted broods and the staff and volunteers at the Didsbury based hospice filled the chicks with tens of thousands of donated chocolate eggs.

Star knitter Maria Dunbobbin from Cheadle, single-handedly crafted 1,200 character chicks. Every chick is then sold to raised vital funds.

With the help of the community contributing to volunteering, collecting eggs, selling and buying chicks, the Easter Knitted Chick Appeal raised £95,000 last year. The charity that provides services to support families of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions is hoping to surpass this in 2026.

Joanne Farrell, landlady at Robinsons pub partner the Windsor Castle in Marple Bridge, drove a tireless campaign to collect 5,027 Creme Eggs – a record-breaking contribution.

Volunteers Barbara Allwood and Joan Thrussell opened hundreds of parcels as well as lovingly repaired chicks with missing eyes and wonky beaks.

Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer of Francis House said: “The incredible support we receive for our Easter Chick Appeal never ceases to amaze us. Although funds are still being rounded up, it’s on track to be one of our best years yet!”

The Easter campaign makes a big difference to Francis House. With daily running costs of more than £15,900, the charity relies on ventures like this to support more than 435 families from across Greater Manchester. For more information visit www.francishouse.org.uk/easter-knit-a-chick-appeal