Minnie donates rug to help marathon runner

THE old saying that one good turn deserves another is certainly true in the case of Minnie Duxbury.

She knew Ian Hargreaves as he was the landscape gardener responsible for War Memorial Gardens in Henley, where she lives.

They had spoken about his plans to run in the London Marathon later this month to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

So after reading about Ian’s nephew Harri Douglas, 12, who has type 1 diabetes, in the Standard a few weeks ago, Mrs Duxbury decided to help.

She says: “I read the article the week after it was published and when I was in bed that night I thought, ‘I must find a way of making some money to help’.

“I make quilts all the time and thought about giving one of those so that it could be raffled and was trying to work out which one.”

She chose her most recent creation, which measures 6ft by 6ft and she says is probably the most valuable creation.The quilt features irises, her favourite flower.

“It is handmade and a one-off because I did not work from a pattern,” said Mrs Duxbury. “It probably took me around 400 hours to make but I really enjoy quilting,” she said.

“Like painting, it is all about putting the right colours together. I started when I was in my thirties.” Ian was thrilled at the gift. “When we went round to pick up the quilt I could not believe how wonderful it was,” he said.

“It is huge but there is so much detail and every flower is different. It is amazing that she has donated it to us.”

Lady Sew and Sew, which has a warehouse in Farm Road, has offered to exhibit the quilt during the Henley Arts Trail, which starts on May 4, and will sell the raffle tickets. The draw will take place in June.

Mrs Duxbury said: “I hope to get £1,000. I have put several smaller quilts in a Harspden raffle and they made £500 each.”

Harri, from Binfield Heath, was staying with Ian and his wife Kelly at their home in Newtown Gardens in 2011 while his parents were away when he fell seriously ill. He was rushed to hospital, where he was diagnosed as diabetic.

He has since made a full recovery and will be cheering on his uncle and aunt when they run in London on April 21.

To make a donation, visit wwwvirginmoneygiving/com/team/iankellyhargreaves