Tom Daley’s neighbours delighted at Olympian’s knitting skills
By Regina Motalib
A British diver who has been busy winning Olympic medals in Tokyo for Team GB delighted crochet and knitting fans when he was photographed at the games knitting a cardigan.
None were more delighted than Tom Daley’s Bankside neighbours – who also knit for mental health benefits and charitable causes.
Fellow Bankside resident, Charmaine Graves, 69, said she was “absolutely thrilled” to see Tom knitting. The prison officer added: “When I saw my neighbour, Tom, knitting at the Tokyo Olympics, I thought ‘wow’ and ‘good for him’. He really dived into my heart. He obviously knows the benefits of this old craft on his well-being.”
Charmaine, who has been knitting since she was a child, recently knitted 75 scrubs dolls – complete with face masks.
Some were given to Covid-19 front line NHS staff and the rest were sold for charity.
Charmaine, who enjoys knitting for charitable causes, said: “The money raised from the scrubs dolls was spent on food and cleaning products and donated to a local food bank.”
Charmaine thinks it is great that knitting is making a comeback. She said: “I am delighted to see this craft gaining popularity amongst the younger generation.
“It is such a lovely hobby. People are realising that isn’t just for little old ladies. In fact, historically it was men that did the knitting. Think of the knitted fishermen’s gansey (jumper).”
Charmaine also explained the health benefits. She said: “I would encourage more of our local community to knit. While it’s creative it also has many health benefits.
“It reduces stress and the repetitive movements create a sense of well-being. During this Covid era, knitting has really come into its own.”
Charmaine added: “I think they should give yarn to people on the NHS as a stress reliever. I have a stressful job but knitting helps me to keep calm and focussed.”
Another Bankside resident, Amir Eden, 27, is also an avid knitter. Amir took up knitting after his mother passed away from cancer.
He said: “I find it very therapeutic and it helps me to reflect and think things through. I am in awe of all the wonderful things Tom has made.”
Amir, who is the executive chairman of Living Bankside, added: “Tom sent us a lovely message of support from Tokyo for our recent Great Get Together.
“Knitting brings communities closer and helps tackle loneliness and isolation. We are hoping to set up a local group here in Bankside.”
Tom is knitting to raise money for the UK-based Brain Tumour Charity in memory of his father, Robert, who also died of cancer.
He has been donating pieces to the charity since September 2020. Each raffle ticket entry will cost £2. More information about the charity can be found on their website here.