50 shades of purple

Jamie Dornan has hand-signed a queen-sized purple quilt, handcrafted by more than 50 women across Tyrone and beyond to help raise money for pancreatic cancer… And you could be in with a chance of winning it!

The charity initiative, titled ‘Quilt of Hope’, was originally devised by Heather Cunnah from Omagh, who had kind aspirations of raising as much money as possible for NIPanC, of which the famed actor, model and musician is a patron.

Established in 2018, the charity gives a stronger voice to families affected by pancreatic cancer in Northern Ireland. A draw to win the patchwork quilt will take place at the end of February for everyone that generously donates a minimum of £5 to the charity – and what’s more is that the lucky winner will also be treated to a Zoom call with the star.

Crafted with love
Speaking to the Ulster Herald, Heather recounted how her idea of creating a double-bed sized quilt for NIPanC transformed into a queen-sized reality, crafted with love, creativity and heart by ladies from all corners of the North.

“It all started with a bit of banter in the ‘NI Big Community Sew’ Facebook group,” Heather said.

“I put a little post in the group asking if anyone wanted to be part of a fundraiser. And before we knew it, there were over 50 ladies from all over NI sending me sewn squares for the quilt.

“This, in turn, meant that the small quilt idea very quickly became a gorgeous queen-sized reality!”

Heather then meticulously sewed the dozens of quilt squares together to make the finished flowing product, adorned in shades of purple, flowers, hearts and talent. Fittingly, the quilt features a myriad of shades of purple – the colour long-associated with pancreatic cancer.

“The quilt is huge and lovely, and has been crafted with lots of love and care,” the Omagh woman continued.

“I never imagined it would turn out so successfully, but the response has been absolutely amazing from the seamstresses of the NI Big Community Sew group. It was wonderful that so many patchwork quilters wanted to be involved to help raise money for pancreatic cancer. It is amazing that such a wonderful sewing group was established out of the need for face masks, and that they keep doing amazing things to help others. Long may the group continue.”

Zoom call with Jamie
Speaking in a video posted on the NIPanC Facebook page and YouTube, Jamie Dornan said, “This year, NIPanC, which is the Northern Irish pancreatic cancer charity of which I am a patron, are running a draw for the ‘Quilt of Hope’. This is a real quilt that has been made by seamstresses of Northern Ireland. It is a beautiful thing, and I will have signed it. This awful illness is close to my heart for tragic reasons. I will also arrange a Zoom call with the winner.

“Please donate and try to help us out.”

• The quilt, signed by Jamie Dornan, will be raffled off to one lucky winner at the end of February. To enter the competition, visit NIPanC on Facebook, and follow the page’s instructions. The recipient will also have the opportunity to speak with Jamie on a Zoom call, which he will arrange.