Margaret Soar, a hospice and mental health charity, recently received a significant boost in funding thanks to the efforts of TikTok star Dan Soar. The 31-year-old from Shirland, Derbyshire, live-streamed himself knitting for 24 hours in memory of his late grandmother and challenged himself to set the Guinness World Record for arm knitting the most blankets in a day.
Despite only starting knitting in December, Dan already has an impressive following of over 300,000 fans on TikTok. He organized the fundraiser as a tribute to his grandmother, who was cared for by North Derbyshire’s Ashgate Hospice at the end of her life. This experience inspired Dan to support the charity and raise awareness about mental health issues through his online platform.
The idea for a 24-hour knit-a-thon as a personal challenge grew into a world record attempt thanks to a friend’s suggestion. Despite some soreness and delirium after hours of non-stop knitting, Dan managed to complete 19 blankets, surpassing the minimum requirement of 15 for the Guinness World Record.
In addition to raising money for charity, Dan also used his platform to promote mental health awareness and encourage his viewers to open up about their struggles. His achievement represents a significant accomplishment in the world of arm knitting and sets an example for others looking to push themselves beyond their limits while making a positive impact on society.
Dan plans to submit footage of his record-setting attempt to Guinness for review by their Records Management Team. With no existing record for the most blankets knitted in 24 hours, Dan’s achievement represents an exciting new milestone in this field.
Overall, Dan Soar’s efforts have made a meaningful contribution not only to mental health but also to supporting those facing end-of-life care through hospices like Ashgate Hospice.
