Schools brought Easter cheer to Francis House Children’s Hospice

There was a distinctly springtime sense of celebration at Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury this Easter, as tens of thousands of knitted chicks and bunnies arrived as part of the charity’s much-loved seasonal appeal.

More than 32,700 of the small knitted figures—each one traditionally filled with a creme egg—made their way through the hospice doors in the run-up to Easter, marking another year of strong community involvement in a campaign that has become a fixture of the local calendar.

The initiative raises vital funds for Francis House and relies on contributions from schools, nurseries, volunteers and supporters across the region. This year, more than 80 educational settings took part, supporting the appeal through donations, fundraising and community activities.

The appeal is more than just a fundraising exercise. For many schools, it has become an opportunity to involve pupils in learning about community support and the work of the hospice, with children, staff and families contributing to the effort in a variety of ways.

Among the standout contributors was St Richard’s RC Primary School in Longsight, whose pupils donated 1,623 creme eggs and raised £974 through chick sales. Meanwhile, St Winifred’s RC Primary School in Stockport led the fundraising totals with £1,648, closely followed by St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Altrincham, which raised £1,446.

Behind the scenes, individual efforts also made a striking impact. Cheadle-based supporter Maria Dunbobbin produced an impressive 1,200 hand-knitted character chicks on her own, underscoring the scale of personal dedication the campaign inspires each year.

While the knitted figures bring a touch of seasonal charm, their purpose is far more significant. Each one represents a small but meaningful contribution towards the hospice’s work supporting families through some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.