She explained that she only had a radio and no TV so was looking for something to fill her time on an evening, which is how the quilt started its life. Over the years she stopped and started, adding bits to the quilt, before it was left unfinished in 1990.

More recently, when having a clear-out in preparation for a house move, Judith rediscovered the abandoned quilt in a box under her stairs. She asked around to see if anyone was interested in completing it and through a family connection, was introduced to three ladies called Linda, Pamela and Dorothy, who all lived in Todmorden, West Yorkshire.

The trio soon got to work and completed the pattern before returning the quilt to Judith, who offered to pay them for their services. The ladies would not accept Judith’s money and suggested she donated the money she had tried to pay them to a charity of her choice. Judith’s husband Andrew, a retired Head Teacher decided to double the donation and together they gave it to Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool.

The couple visited the Hospice and met with staff to share their story and the history of the quilt, which they brought with them to show.

Greg Hildreth, a Senior Manager at Alice House said, “It is always fascinating to hear the stories from supporters and it was lovely to meet with Judith and Andrew, as well as seeing the finished quilt. Thanks to them for their kindness and for nominating Alice House for the donation – thanks and best wishes also go to Linda, Pamela and Dorothy in Todmorden for picking up the project and seeing it through to completion. The money will be used to help fund care and support to local Hospice patients and their families.”

Judith said “I can’t believe it’s taken forty-six years to finish and many memories came flooding back when I saw it completed. We’re just glad the Hospice benefited too.”