NICU Nurse Emma Raises £60,000 for Cots for Tots

Neonatal Nurse Emma has hit the next major milestone in her fundraising for Cots for Tots!

After 14 years, Emma’s Knitting Shop has raised £60,000, and her hard work has changed countless lives along the way.

Emma’s Fantastic Fundraising

Sister Emma spends most of her time saving lives on St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which cares for critically ill and premature babies from across the South West.

Emma is so dedicated to these babies and their families that she also gives up her free time to support them.

When she’s not on shift, Emma runs a fundraising stall in the hospital reception. She sells handmade cardigans, baby blankets and soft toys, all of which raise funds for Cots for Tots, the dedicated charity for St Michael’s NICU.

These knitted items are lovingly crafted by a team of around 60 Cots for Tots knitters and crocheters, who volunteer year-round to ensure that the stall always has plenty of stock.

Meet our Cots for Tots knitters!

Take a peek behind the scenes at our annual Knitters’ Tea Party.

Find out more

Emma told us: “I began running the stall in 2012, and I’ve kept it going ever since. Looking back, I could never have imagined it would raise £60,000. Working on NICU, I see how much Cots for Tots means to babies and their families every day. That’s what has motivated me to keep fundraising over the years.”

Since 2012, Emma’s Knitting Shop has raised vital funds to help provide specialist equipment, free family accommodation and enhanced care for babies treated on NICU.

But what’s really special about Emma’s story isn’t only the incredible amount she’s raised: it’s the community spirit she’s built in a place that can otherwise feel very dark for some families.

Through running the knitting stall, Emma has met thousands of families who are eager to do something positive and give back to NICU. Due to the affordability of the heartfelt goods that Emma sells, she’s always there to provide them with an easy, accessible way to support Cots for Tots if they’d like to.

How To Show Your Support

Thank you to everyone who has supported Emma’s Knitting Shop since 2012. Whether you bought your most treasured baby clothes from Emma or just popped a few coins in her collection tin, you’ve played an important part in helping her reach this phenomenal total.

You can show her your appreciation by visiting the stall in St Michael’s Hospital reception or her eBay shop. Please contact our team at hello@grandappeal.org.uk to find out about the upcoming dates for Emma’s Knitting Stall.