A RETIRED Kingswinford headteacher is hosting an exhibition of his bespoke handmade woodwork this weekend which he hopes to sell off for charity.

Geoff Harrison, who was in charge of The Kingswinford School for 18 years, is raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital after his granddaughter Libby underwent a lifesaving operation there when she was just three weeks old.

Libby developed a condition called pyloromyotomy where food would go into her stomach but it wouldn’t go any further because of a blocked valve, causing her to sick up anything she ate.

Geoff said: “About five years ago my granddaughter Libby had to undergo an emergency lifesaving operation.

“When we visited her, we were amazed at the work of all the staff at the hospital and all of the children who were being saved because of them.

“We have raised a lot of money for charity over the years, but since Libby’s operation we have been fundraising for the hospital to give something back after how they helped her.

“I’m no good to be doing marathons or half marathons at my age, so selling off my woodwork is the way I can support the charity.

“I have been making wooden items for about the past eight or nine years as I retired more than 11 year ago, but woodworking is just a hobby for me – I just like making things.”

The ‘Creations in Wood’ exhibition, taking place at Kingswinford Methodist Church between 3pm and 5pm this Saturday (August 27), is also part of Geoff’s golden wedding anniversary celebrations after marrying his wife Ann – a former teacher at Peters Hill Primary School – in August 1966.

Geoff added: “Many people from the church and the community will be there to help us raise money for the hospital as well as celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

“The exhibition is free to enter, so anyone who would like to come along have a look at the displays and enjoy a cup of tea or a slice of cake will be more than welcome.

“All the items will all be on sale for people to buy and all the money I make, as well as any donations collected – I’ve already raised £204 before Saturday has even started – will all be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”