A talented resident at a not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough has rekindled her lifelong love of sewing – one stitch at a time.
Cherise Chapman, who lives at Nunthorpe Oaks Residential Care Home, learnt to sew at school. Her early career repairing clothes led her to the John Colliers factory in Guisborough, where her passion for sewing flourished. She began making toys, starting with Paddington Bear and later creating Wombles and Dusty Bin characters.
Cherise spent six years trading at Stockton Market, where she built lasting friendships and a loyal customer base. She also made dancewear for her daughter, costumes for a local jazz band and outfits for an amateur dramatics group.
After many years away from sewing, Cherise’s passion has been reignited, after a team member brought a sewing machine into Nunthorpe Oaks for crafting.
“I was nervous at first,” said 78-year-old Cherise, who was born in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. “But with encouragement from the team, my confidence grew.
“Sewing gives me purpose,” she shared. “It makes me feel like I’ve achieved something—especially when I see the final product.”
Since then, Cherise has created a variety of handmade items, including pieces sold at the home’s community fetes. Most recently, she completed a colourful outdoor cushion for a garden project.
Sharon Sperring, the Sanctuary Care home’s manager, said: “At Nunthorpe Oaks, our mission is to ensure all our lovely residents continue to enjoy the things they are passionate about every day.”
Cherise’s story is a wonderful example of Sanctuary Care’s dedication to enriching residents’ lives, supporting them to continue doing things they have always loved to do, giving them a sense of purpose and achievement.”
For more about life at Nunthorpe Oaks, where the team provide residential and respite care, visit Nunthorpe Oaks: Middlesborough Care Home | Sanctuary Care
