HAVE you got spare balls of wool? Why not donate them to the knitting volunteers at Hillingdon Hospital’s Cancer Macmillan Centre.

The ladies, who have more than 200 years of collective knitting experience at their fingertips, need more wool for their fund-raising activities.

June Hall’s grandmother taught her to knit in the family’s bomb shelter during World War Two, while Beryl Gay was taught by a sister.

June said: “I’ve been knitting since I was five. It’s very relaxing and takes your mind off things, which was handy during the war when the bombs were falling.

“We all used to squeeze into our shelter in the back garden and it helped pass the time.

“We produce a variety of knitwear for sale in in the hospital and it keeps us occupied, which is nice.

Fellow knitter Beryl was taught by one of her eight sisters and, keeping up with the times, recently finished a Paddington Bear.

“We all want to do our bit for Macmillan Cancer and it’s nice to get out of the house and have a chat with the other girls,” she said.

Naseen Sheikh says knitting for a good cause is also good for her health and helps her hands supple, despite suffering from arthritis.

The ladies meet twice a month for a knit-in at the centre and are always looking for more volunteers.

If you have any double knitting wool you don’t need, drop it into the Cancer Macmillan Centre which is located on the first floor.

Alternatively, email lorraine.barton@thh.nhs.uk