A Cosheston resident in her late 70s has succeeded in raising £1000 for the Royal British Legion by running a competition to win a rather special homemade prize.

Janet Hallett, nearly 78, knitted an impressive poppy blanket during lockdown. As the Royal British Legion is in its centenary year she wanted to raise funds for a charity close to her heart.

Janet is an active member of the local community, she’s been a WI member for 60 years and has contributed in many ways to community life in Cosheston and Pembroke Dock, including the local history group.

“It has been a challenging year for so many, and finding ways to keep busy and active can be difficult as you get older but even more so during a pandemic, Janet explained on her Justgiving page.

“Knitting has always been a hobby of mine and in Christmas 2020 my family gifted me a ‘challenge’: the Deramores pattern in association with the Royal British Legion ‘The poppy blanket’.”

The blanket, which measures 130cm by 140cm, features over 50 individual poppies and involved many hours of knitting.

The pattern is inspired by the iconic cascading poppy sculpture sculptures Wave and Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, now part of the Imperial War Museum’s Collection, and is a way of remembering those who gave their service and lives to the armed forces.

“I am now seeking to raise money for a charity, in its 100th year and that is close to me and the heart of my family,” Janet continued.

“My father served in the Welsh Guards, my Great Uncle died in WWI and is remembered in Ypres, Belgium. My youngest son served in the British Army for 15 years and now my eldest grandson is serving in the Royal Navy.”

On Saturday, November 20, all the donors’ names (if given) will go into a hat to draw out a new owner for the blanket.

To donate to Janet’s fundraising effort and support the Royal British Legion, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/janethallett