Helping the tiny people

Cuteness overload is what will spring to mind when you see the crocheted creations of Danika McManus as she stitches her way to make a difference.

The Newtowngore lady has joined up with Carrigallen man Dan Donohoe to create these remarkable things of beauty for premature babies as they raise funds for a good cause.

Danika is using her lockdown time to great effect: “I've decided to do something good with my time by taking on the #challenge32 initiative for helping Holles Street.”

A long time has past since Danika did her crochet project in Junior Cert and her inspiration for this came from some startling figures.

“Every year, 5,000 babies are born pre-term in Ireland and approx 900 of those are born before 32 weeks gestation. As you can imagine, it's difficult to find clothes to fit these tiny little bundles of joy so I've decided to put my newly learned crochet skills to the test and attempt to crochet a new item every day for 32 days from tomorrow.”

After seeing Danika's first item Dan Donohoe from Carrigallen decided he was going to join her on the crochet challenge.

“The money raised by this fundraiser will go to vital supports and services within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Holles Street so that they can continue to provide much-needed specialist care to every preterm baby born in Ireland,” Dan said of the challenge.

“This is a cause very close to my heart and I appreciate every single donation, message and share of this fundraiser."

Both Danek and Dan have set up 'Just Giving' pages to allow people to donate to Holles Street.

“If you would like to help me support this amazing organisation, please click on the link below and donate anything you can, every little helps! Also, just to say thanks, everyone who donates will be entered into a draw to win a hand-crocheted item for yourself!” Daneka concluded.

There fundraising pages are: