Former student Florence Bignell (2019), who has just completed her first year at Durham University, has set up a charity, Threads of Change' to help support the work of the NHS and the Alzheimer's Society. Here she writes about her initiative - everyone at Habs applauds her for doing such amazing work.

It goes without saying that the NHS has been severely under-appreciated over the last few years and unfortunately it has taken a global health crisis to make us realise its value. As well as the tireless work done by the NHS to try to suppress the coronavirus, we all have our own individual reasons for wanting to help. From helping me as a premature baby to fixing my broken wrist in time to play my last lacrosse match for Habs, the NHS has played such a large part in all of our lives and deserves our support now more than ever.

I decided that I wanted to donate the money that I saved from the last week of my second term at university being cancelled to the NHS and other charities and although I knew that this was a kind gesture I wanted to take it further. I instead decided that I wanted to invest this money, with the aim of doubling my donation. Additionally, I wanted to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society as in 2012 my grandad passed away from Alzheimer’s and I witnessed first-hand the devastating effects that it can have on a family.

Personalised clothing has become extremely popular over the last few months and at the beginning of lockdown I personalised my favourite pair of jeans and thus the idea for 'Threads of Change' was born. Over the last few weeks I have been creating and selling stylish hand-embroidered clothing and accessories with the profits being donated to charities, starting off with the NHS and Alzheimer's Society. I have designed a sweatshirt featuring a rainbow, which has become symbolic in showing how the NHS has provided a ray of light in these metaphorically stormy times and a sweatshirt that features forget-me-nots, a symbol of remembrance for my grandad. These two designs also feature on a collection of bags and all of the profits made from selling these sweatshirts and bags will go straight towards the NHS Charities Together fundraising page and the Alzheimer’s Society. I would love to be able to donate a thousand pounds in order to show our thanks towards the NHS, which since its inception in 1948, has helped to keep our country running and to the Alzheimer's Society which funds research and helps Alzheimer's sufferers and their families during their fight with the illness.

I would also love to develop this idea and branch out to other charities that deserve our praise and support, so please follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to send any feedback and take a look at our website. Please consider buying a sweatshirt or bag to show your gratitude towards the NHS or to help find a cure for Alzheimer's and to remember a family member who couldn't...