Two caring fundraisers have handed over a cheque for £3,500 to Fountaindale School, Mansfield — taking their total raised for the special school in the past five years to £15,000.

Margaret Howlett and Di Milner have been fundraising as George’s Army to support 10-year-old George Eden-Taylor and his family.

George, a pupil at the school, was born 12 weeks prematurely and weighed just 2lbs 7ozs (1.1kg) at Nottingham City Hospital maternity unit.

He now suffers from athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects both his motor skills and co-ordination, but George has a normal IQ.

Margaret Howlett became involved in helping George after he was born because her son, Jake, is friends with the youngster’s father, Shaun Taylor.

A group of people raised money for specialist equipment he needed after his birth, calling themselves George’s Army.

When George was five and started to attend Fountaindale, Margaret began to raise money for the school with her friend from work, Di Milner.

Margaret said: “By now I was retired and able to dedicate more time to the fundraising.”

The duo take donated materials that might otherwise go to landfill and make personal and household accessories, such as jewellery, eco-carrier bags, aprons, soft toys and preserves.

They sell them at farmers’ markets in Sheffield; twice a year in the foyer at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton; at the Christmas market at Mansfield Museum; and at other fundraising events in the area.

Margaret said: “We stand in all weathers under a gazebo at Sheffield. We have a dedicated band of customers who appreciate the ethos of our endeavours.”

The two fundraisers also sell £1 lucky dip bags that contain donated items that people might have had as unwanted presents.

They are supported by local companies Romo, Crystal Knitwear, Mansfield Marquees, Atmospheric Interiors and factories further afield, which donate goods the friends transform into items to sell.

They have a group of supportive friends and Margaret said: “Without them we would not be able to continue with our work.

“We enjoy using our time to be creative, helping the environment, making new friends, visiting new places and helping the school — something we recommend to anyone.”

A new venture for the fundraisers is a fashion show and pop-up shop, run by Colours, from Manchester, which holds charity events. It will take place at Fountaindale School on 20th April, at 7.30pm. Admission is £5. Colours offers High Street-named retailers’ clothing with at least a 50% discount.

Pupils with Di Milner, left, Margaret Howlett and Fountaindale head Mark Dengel.