RESIDENTS and staff at a care home in Abingdon are attempting to sew a ‘Mile of Memories’ to raise funds for Sobell House hospice.

Bags of donated fabric with special meaning attached were fashioned into thousands of flags to form nearly a mile of bunting at Bridge House on Friday during a marathon sewing session that lasted from 10am until 5pm.

Witney’s Sew Local shop loaned the care home 19 sewing machines for the event and attended to help try to reach the ambitious target.

Although dedicated sewers did not quite meet the goal, a sewing machine is still set up in the care home to continue until the mile is complete.

The inspiration for the Sewathon came from Bridge House director of nursing Sybil Evans, who started sewing again after a 30 year gap and enjoys discussing sewing with the residents.

Residents and staff are raising money for Sobell House, with people still able to donate by visiting the Thames View care home. Bridge House manager June Maharaj said: : “We were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm from everyone, especially from the community.

“It was wonderful to see as many as 40 people taking part, many of whom had never sewn before and we would like to thank everyone for their support .”

Tim Wraith, from the Oxford hospice, said what the care home had done was ‘wonderful’ adding: “We continue to be incredibly grateful for the fantastic support.” Once complete, the ‘Mile of Memories’ will be displayed at the home until August when it will move to the Abingdon Community Shop.