Hats off to Mila!

Mila with her proud parents Michaela and Marcus Emms

Mila Emms is a courageous young student with an abiding passion to help others.

The plucky 15-year-old suffers a debilitating arthritic condition affecting every joint in her body. 

But despite challenging health setbacks Mila, a pupil at Crompton House school, is knitting and crocheting beautifully handcrafted hats for newly-born and premature babies at Royal Oldham Hospital.

She is the daughter of Michaela and Marcus Emms, Shaw and Crompton’s colourful Town Crier, who spreads free  Christmas cheer throughout the year at community and voluntary groups.

Mila was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and has to spend long spells in hospital having specialist therapy and medication. 

Says her proud father: “In hospital she was advised to knit and crochet to keep her hands active, so she taught herself, with the help of the internet, to do that.

“Her health had deteriorated recently and she needs the aid of crutches to walk.

"She went with us to the Royal British Legion meeting where we were Santa-ing at the Legion’s pensioners and veterans Christmas Dinner to get her used to using crutches. 

“While she was there, quietly knitting in the corner, a lady approached her and asked her if she would help to knit hats for newborn and premature babies at the Royal Oldham Hospital. 

“Always pleased to help those in need, she happily volunteered, and, as she finds getting out of the house difficult at the moment, Mila decided to use her time constructively and create the hats. 

“The hats take her between an hour and a half and three hours each to do depending on the pattern, which she makes to her own design. 

“But all the hats are made with love and joy - we are immensely proud of her.”

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