Stitch in time gives thanks to carers

Bunbury woman Naimi Ghasseb has spent hundreds of hours sewing children’s clothes and other items to sell at a Christmas market this weekend to raise money for the Cancer Foundation.

The grandmother has worked tirelessly to stitch together more than 130 pieces of clothing and homewares to raise money for the charity.

“My husband died earlier this year of cancer and so many people have helped me in the community. I just want to give something back,” Mrs Ghasseb said.

Mrs Ghasseb and her husband Eli came to Australia from Lebanon in 1970. Mr Ghasseb was well known in Bunbury as the owner of Drooleys pizza shop, which the family owned for many years.

After a short illness, Mr Ghasseb died in March with his wife and family near him. During his final days he was supported by the Cancer Foundation and was given palliative care.

While still coming to terms with the loss of her husband, Mrs Ghasseb decided to repay the kindness and support she and her family had received.

At times the 74-year-old worked more than 12 hours a day as she and her daughter Marie toiled to get her collection ready for sale.

“I have seen what people go through. I have seen them suffering. I only hope I can help,” she said.

Mrs Ghasseb’s clothes will be on sale at the Stirling Arts and Crafts Christmas market on Sunday from 10am.