One year after captivating audiences on Season 10 of The Great British Sewing Bee, Pascha Al-Qassab, 21, from Guildford, returned to the public eye with a successful fundraising event on September 5 at Rowleys Community Centre in Cranleigh.

Teaming up with the Cranleigh and Villages Needlecraft Group, who hosted the event, Pascha raised over £900 for Parkinson’s UK.

The fundraiser showcased Pascha’s sewing talents, featuring a display of her creations from the Sewing Bee to showcase to the local community members.

Attendees enjoyed a ‘stash-buster’ craft stall, where they could buy or donate unused craft supplies, as well as participate in a raffle with exciting prizes and enjoy refreshments provided by the community centre. Proceeds from the day went towards Parkinson’s UK, with 25% supporting Rowleys Community Centre.

Pascha displaying her garment creations that she produced on the Great British Sewing Bee.

placeholder image — Pascha displaying her garment creations that she produced on the Great British Sewing Bee.

Reflecting on the event, Pascha said: “I was so pleased that we were able to raise over £900 for Parkinson’s UK. Many people I know have a personal connection to Parkinson’s, and I’m grateful that the money raised will support such important work. It’s hard to believe a year has passed since my time on The Sewing Bee. This event was a wonderful way to celebrate that milestone while making a difference.

“It was so lovely to get all my Sewing Bee makes out and see them displayed on mannequins again! I hadn’t seen them all together since the final, so it was a treat for me too.

"The Cranleigh and Villages Needlecraft Group has created a welcoming space for creative people to come together and share their love for crafts. Their support, along with that of the Rowley Community Centre, was invaluable in making this event a success.

“A lot of sewers and crafters love sustainability but often buy too much fabric. The stash-buster stall was the perfect antidote! People donated unused fabric, notions, and craft tools, and it was a huge hit with guests. I even picked up a few bits myself!”

Items showcased from members of the Cranleigh and Villages Needlecraft Group on display.

Katherine Dennis, Community Fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK, said:“We are so thankful to Pascha and the Cranleigh Sewing and Needle Craft Group for their dedication to this wonderful fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK.

“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. While we’ve made significant breakthroughs in the last 50 years and there is still no cure. We hope this fundraising challenge inspires others to get involved with Parkinson’s UK, whether by volunteering or campaigning for better services.”

To find out more about Parkinson’s UK and how to fundraise, visit parkinsons.org.uk