A group of elderly knitters from a North Yorkshire care home has brought festive cheer to an unlikely group – monkeys at a sanctuary in South Africa. The Knitting Nannas, based at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, crafted and sent over a dozen woollen toys and blankets to the International Primate Rescue centre in Pretoria in time for Christmas.
The Charitable Spark Behind the Stitch
The project began when one of the residents, Judith Pearson, mentioned that monkeys enjoy playing with enrichment toys, much like children. Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis was inspired and reached out to the rescue centre's founder, Sue Mousley. The enthusiastic response confirmed the primates would love the handmade items, prompting the knitters to immediately pick up their needles.
Sharon Lewis explained the motivation: "One of our residents, Judith, said she had heard monkeys like to play with toys just like children. Apparently they are called enrichment toys. So we thought it would make a great next project for the Knitting Nannas."
A Track Record of Crafting for Conservation
This is not the first time the group, whose members are all in their 70s, 80s and 90s, has used their skills to support global wildlife causes. In December 2024, they made headlines by knitting blankets for orphaned baby rhinos in South Africa. This was followed in May 2025 by a project creating mini jumpers for penguins protected by The Penguin Foundation on Phillip Island, Australia.
The knitters have also completed around a dozen other charitable projects over the years, not always animal-related. Their first endeavour was a knitted dressing gown for Knit for Peace in 2019, which supported UK women's refuges and homeless projects.
Joy in the Making
The residents find great purpose and joy in their work. Eighty-one-year-old Judith Pearson, who sparked the monkey toy idea, said: "It is great to be part of this project. I never thought when I mentioned toys for monkeys we would be making them."
Fellow knitter Joyce Baxtrem, 94, shared the amusement her project causes: "I love telling people what I’m knitting and, when I say toys for monkeys, they laugh."
The completed batch of colourful gifts was shipped to South Africa, where they were met with deep gratitude. Sue Mousley from International Primate Rescue said: "We are deeply touched by this amazing gesture and are very grateful to your residents. The beautiful hand written letter brought tears to my eyes."
For coordinator Sharon Lewis, the benefits are multifaceted. "I love getting residents involved in knitting projects," she said. "Not only does it give them a great sense of achievement but it’s a great conversation starter with families and friends that visit the home – especially when you say you are knitting toys for monkeys."
