Tyler Morrow has been fundraising for us through woodworking
Friday 16 June 2023
I work as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS, but during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I developed a passion for woodworking, a hobby I could fit into my spare time. My passion for woodworking started with epoxy during the first COVID lockdown. Like me, you’ve probably seen the videos of people on the internet making huge tables from wood and epoxy. I eventually tried it, buying a cheap kit from Amazon to make some wood and epoxy coasters which turned out alright, if I do say so myself!
From there, the projects only got bigger and better - I started making necklaces, rings, boxes, serving boards, chopping boards and tables. In March 2021, I bought my first lathe and started refining my craft to the point where I felt comfortable selling my products, and this is how I found a way to fundraise through for my woodworking. One day, I made a pen and found myself thinking that someone else could benefit from this money a lot more than me. I decided that if I sell a pen for £25, I could take £13 to cover the cost of materials and donate the remaining profit (£12) to charity. I don’t make money on my products, but this makes the process sustainable and allows me to continually fundraise. The best decision I ever made was allowing the customer to choose the charity they want the profit to be donated to, because it feels like everyone’s a winner.
Tyler’s story continues below…
In October 2022, my Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and it was a big shock to our whole family. Within weeks of his diagnosis, he had surgery to remove the tumour. He had a lot of difficult days in hospital, but I count myself lucky that I could visit him often. My Dad’s surgery was successful fortunately, and he’s now having chemotherapy. I’ll be forever thankful to the NHS at the Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland for everything they’ve done and will continue to do for my Dad. I’m also very thankful to Bowel Cancer UK for doing everything they do.
After my Dad’s diagnosis, one of my returning customers allowed me to choose the charity to donate to, so I chose Bowel Cancer UK. Bowel cancer is a topic that’s now very close to my heart, so I hope I can continue to raise money for the charity.
I hope this blog has inspired you to do something a little different. Whether you knit, sew, crochet, woodwork, or some other craft, you can give something back in your own way. I’m just getting started with my fundraising, but I’m not done yet. If I can inspire more people to give, that’s just as good!
If you'd like to buy one of Tyler's pens, you can visit his shop here.
- Find out more about fundraising for us
- Learn more about the symptoms of bowel cancer
- Find support for family, friends and carers