Ashfield ASDA employee's knitted rainbows helping to raise funds for NHS

Skegby mum-of-two Sally Develin works at the Sutton-in-Ashfield ASDA and has been knitting rainbows to sell to colleagues and friends.

So far, she has raised £542 for the NHS Charities Together.

Sally works in the Priestsic Road shop’s ‘click and collect’ but says her work has “changed dramatically” since the Covid-19 outbreak.

“I now work full time from 2am every day picking the shopping for the vulnerable people who cannot come into the store before the customers come in at 8am, to aid with the social distancing,” she said.

“I love knitting, I find it very therapeutic. I have currently got £542 in the charity purse. I only did a few rainbows for friends and family to start with and when others started asking for them I thought we could raise a little for the NHS, and it keeps me busy.

Due to popular demand, even her dog Albert sports one on his collar, Sally says she will not be taking any more orders for rainbows for a few weeks.

Sally said, “At the moment I am prioritising friends, family and ASDA colleagues, I have a lot of orders and don’t want to promise and not deliver.”

“I'm having a few days annual leave to try and clear the backlog, then I will post on my Facebook page for friends and family if they want any more, it takes me nearly an hour to make one. I also work full time, so I can only do so many, but I'm enjoying it.”

Hayley Carrington, ASDA community champion, said on Facebook: “Our wonderful home shopping colleague Sally has been working very hard...not only in our store but also at home knitting rainbows for colleagues and friends to raise funds for the NHS.

“Everyone here just love her rainbows! She starts work at 2am most days, but still finds the time to keep knitting in her spare time. Well done Sally!”

Sally added: “Thank you so much for all your support and donations so far, I couldn't have done it without you all.”