Over $4,000 has been raised for the family of a deceased London grandmother fondly remembered for spending hours knitting soccer scarves and hats and asking fans to pay what they could afford.
Per MyLondon, Elloney Foster, who locals referred to as the “Crystal Palace hat lady,” passed away on February 12 at the age of 80. The deceased Croydon resident is remembered for selling homemade knitted hats and scarves for fans of the Crystal Palace soccer team for decades. Foster sold her merchandise during match days.
“Elloney was selfless, caring and so kind. She had the most heart-warming smile you can’t compare,” her granddaughter, Joelle Robertson, said. “She would often just ask how much people would like to pay so everyone could afford a hat or scarf. After time people would often order stuff or ask for certain colours to knit.”
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She added: “She sat there for hours at home and made them to a really high quality. People who bought them years ago still have them and wear them at every game.”
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Prior to her passing, Foster had been battling with leg ulcers over the last six decades. She was subsequently diagnosed with osteomyelitis in her later years. And though Foster’s osteomyelitis negatively condition impacted her ability to move around, that did not prevent her from being present during every Crystal Palace home game, MyLondon reported.
“She was so ill but she always found strength to go and see the supporters. Even in time when it was tough she’s go down in the wheelchair,” Robertson recalled. “She was really upset when we told her this season she wasn’t well enough to go. We always tried to make her down one last time but she sadly wasn’t well enough.”
Several fans paid tribute to Foster on her fundraising page. “Grandma you are dearly missed, we love you so much and we wish you could continue your lovely journey with your hats???????? You were kindhearted and loved by everyone you came across. I will never forget walking to the store with you and taking the bus and hearing people on the street shout “MUMMY” with excitement???????? Gone but surely not forgotten. Rest In Paradise Grandma ????️,” a fan wrote.
“Dearest mummy, you were a beacon of strength to all of us. Your love and kindness will live on forever. You are sadly missed. May you rest in eternal peace. Gone, but will never be forgotten,” another fan wrote.
