Hats off to University of Huddersfield student, John Harrison, who has inspired us with his story and the launch of his social enterprise.
John was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and has been through times tougher than your average student. After several courses of treatment, a relapse and more chemotherapy, thankfully John received a bone marrow transplant and has been clear for the past two years.
We met John at ‘Ask the Expert’, an event set up by the University’s Enterprise Team, where industry experts meet student start-up businesses and give advice in what looks like a speed dating scenario.
John told us, “When I was having my chemotherapy I found it difficult to find a decent hat and that’s where I had the idea for my business”.
Raise your hats is a web based community linking people who are passionate about supporting cancer focused charities and those that enjoy knitting and calm activities.
You can join the community as a customer and buy one of the hats, knowing that 75% of your money goes to one of the listed cancer charities. Alternatively, you can donate one of your hand knitted hats to the community to sell, thereby donating your time and materials.
We think John’s idea is amazing and really want it to be massive success. Since meeting, we have offered John brand consultation and marketing advice and are looking forward to working with him to develop his ideas. We are just at the beginning of a new relationship but are excited about working with John to reach new audiences and wish him the best of luck with this venture. Watch this space…
If you can support John in getting this message further, donate a knit or publish a press release, share his link www.raiseurhats.com or email.