A YORK pensioner has raised almost £3,000 for charity, by selling hand-embroidered crosses.
George Bye, 88, of Abbeyfield House, Tadcaster Road, was inspired to raise money for Candlelighters after the death of his niece, Kirsty, at the age of seven.
George said: “I’ve been doing this for 12 years, after Kirsty and her friend, who was also seven, both died of leukaemia within weeks of each other.
“I make them myself and sell them all over York for a pound each, and I’m just £29 shy of reaching £3,000.”
George learned embroidery while stationed with the army in Belgium during the Second World War, but he has also worked for Rowntrees and as a printer in York. His crosses all contain a written prayer.
George hopes to reach £3,000 for the children’s charity this summer, and would be selling his crosses at the St Sampson’s Centre, in Church Street, most weekdays.
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