Knitting Heroes Bring Comfort to Patients and Families

People near and far have been knitting and crocheting their way into the hearts of staff and patients at Haverings local Hospitals — providing handmade care items for some of the borough’s most vulnerable patients.

Thanks to the community-led appeal spearheaded by Jon Gildersleeve, dozens of volunteers across Havering and beyond have come together to support patients in the Neonatal Unit, Adult Critical Care End-of-Life Units, and those receiving support from the Patient Experience Team. Their handmade creations include everything from tiny hats and blankets for premature babies to bonding squares, twiddle muffs for dementia patients, and comforting knitted hearts, teddies, and blankets for end-of-life critical care patients and their families.

Jon Gildersleeve, who has become a key advocate for local NHS fundraising and awareness efforts, said the campaign’s success has been made possible through teamwork.

“This is definitely a team effort,” Jon said. “From Kyra Swaby and the charity team at King George and Queen’s Hospital, to pattern designer Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days, and the support of Ian Bamforth and Karen Collins — it’s been a joint mission. But the heart of this has always been the knitters, crocheters, and generous donors across Havering. The support from The Havering Daily, and the encouragement from family and friends, has also made a huge difference.”

The appeal has struck a chord with many, including local mother Evie Rey, who recalled the difficulties she faced when her three babies were born premature.

As a mother who has had 3 premature babies who spent 4 months in hospital each, I’d like to say a massive thank you. It was so hard getting premie clothes back in the 90’s, I used to get a few bits from Fairheads (remember them?) And a few bits from Mothercare. Having a selection of cardigans and hats, etc, back then was lovely, it meant we could wash and clean our babies and pick something cute for our babies to wear. Thank you, it honestly means a lot to the parents.”

Emily Bell, Head of Nursing for Children, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

“We are so grateful for the donations which have been sent to us, including hats, bonding squares, cardigans, and blankets for babies in our Neonatal Unit, twiddlemuffs for dementia patients, and knitted hearts and teddies for patients on our Critical Care Unit and their families.

“These items make such a difference to our patients and their loved ones at often extremely challenging times, so we hugely appreciate the time that goes into creating them.

“The recent social media campaign led by Jon has been so successful, we now have more than enough of these items! So it would be lovely to see other hospitals benefitting from them. Thank you again for your generosity and support.”

Please note that the Hospital is unable to accept any further knitted or crocheted donations at this time. However, you are welcome to hold on to your items until the next appeal is announced.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.