‘You need to see it to believe it’

A crochet character inspired by Leeds Rhinos legend Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to go on display as part of a special exhibition celebrating an incredible community crochet project.

The handmade figure is one of a collection of characters created during a marathon crochet project, with visitors able to see the painstaking work for themselves this weekend.

Sir Kevin has become one of the most recognisable figures in Yorkshire sport since his playing days with Leeds Rhinos, and his fundraising work for the motor neurone disease community has made him a familiar face far beyond rugby league.

The specially-crocheted figures, including Sir Kevin Sinfield, will be on display at Roberttown Community Centre | Submitted

He was knighted earlier this year in recognition of his work in rugby league, rugby union and with the MND community, having helped raise more than £11million through a series of fundraising challenges.

The crochet version of Sir Kevin will form part of the exhibition alongside other specially created figures, raising money for the MND Association.

The extraordinary display has been conjured by talented crocheter Louise Rawstron, of Roberttown, who has spent the last two and a half years crocheting the marathon scene.

It includes a number of individual figures such as fancy dress runners, wheelchair athletes, marshalls, first aiders, and a band, and measures just over 13 metres in length.

She said: “Me and my friend were watching a marathon over a cup of tea. I said that they do great work for charity but I could never run a marathon. She said ‘no, but you could crochet one.’

“I am happy to crochet anything and it planted a seed which got bigger and bigger. I made one, then another, and another, and another. Soon, everybody wanted to give advice, saying ‘if you go to a marathon you always see a marshall and a first aider.’

“It grew and grew and now it is 13.1 metres long.”

The amazing marathon scene has been created by Louise Rawstron | Submitted

Louise’s crochet hook has travelled with her on planes and holidays over the last 30 months before she took some of her work to a knitting and wool fair in Newark for its first public outing at the start of the month.

Now the full display will be on show at Roberttown Community Centre this Saturday, September 26, from 1pm-3pm.

“It’s a chance for local people to see it,” Louise said. “Lots of people have been talking about it, and people have been saying that you need to see it to believe it.

“The support has been overwhelming so I would like to say thank you to everyone for the encouragement, to the Community Centre for letting me borrow it, and to anyone who has kindly donated money already.

“Everyone has been so kind. We are so lucky because we have such a supportive community in Roberttown. We all look after each other.”

Karen Jeffery, Volunteer Fundraiser for MND Association West Yorkshire Branch, said: “Louise is just a wonderful lady and this will be an amazing exhibition for such a good cause.

“Whether you’re a keen crocheter, a craft lover, or simply curious to see something different, this exhibition is a fun and inspiring showcase of skill, patience and creativity. It’s perfect for all ages, and anyone who loves handmade art so please come and join us.”