Ipswich: Selfless teen who suffers from cerebral palsy makes blanket for the homeless

Holly Goodwyn with her blanket (Image: Archant)

But rather than enjoy the blanket herself, 16-year-old Holly Goodwyn, of Purdis Avenue, has decided to pass it on to someone less fortunate.

Holly, who splits her time between Thomas Wolsey School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy, made the creation with the help of her carer.

Last week she passed it on to officials from the Salvation Army and it is believed it will be given to a homeless person.

It is the second time she has made a blanket and handed it over to the organisation.

Proud mum Lynne, 44, said: “I do charity work and I think she sees it is not always about doing things for herself.

“She is very good and she is really determined. We are very proud of her.

“They (Salvation Army officials) were really pleased. She got a really nice thank you card for her first one and I think that really spurred her on.”

Holly was diagnosed with athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects her movement, when she was a baby. She is in a wheelchair because of the condition.

Mrs Goodwyn revealed her daughter has made scores of different knitted products over the years including wristbands and scarves.

She was first inspired to make something for someone less fortunate when she walked past the Ipswich Soup Kitchen with her mum.

Mrs Goodwyn added: “She started knitting about four or five years ago.

“It was a hobby of her carer at the time, she introduced her to knitting and I think for her it is just that achievement of being able to make something and seeing you can do it.

“It must really have been something for her.

“She loves knitting but obviously, with cerebral palsy, holding on to the needles isn’t the safest option so she does it with her carer and she wraps around the wool.

“Last time it went to a street sleeper but it doesn’t matter as far as Holly’s concerned, she has knitted it for someone who hasn’t got one.”