Can you put your knitting needles together for a good cause?
Published on 24/06/2022
We need knitted or crocheted pairs of hearts to bring some comfort to bereaved families at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB).
One of the hearts are placed in the hand of a patient who has recently died by our nursing team and the other is given to their relative(s) as a keepsake.
The hearts were originally given during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have proved so popular with families that we would like to offer them again.
Alyson John, Bereavement Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “We received so many kind donations of knitted hearts during the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are grateful to everyone who has sent them to us. The families find them really comforting at such a difficult time, and we would desperately love to continue this initiative”.
“If you knit or crochet, or know of any family or friends that do, please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you.”
What to do
Here is a guide pattern:
The size of each heart should be no bigger than 10x10cm. Please ensure there is at least one pair of hearts in a matching colour and size using clean wool. The colour is your choice.
Arrangements to drop-off the hearts can be made with the Bereavement Care Team by email, who also have a small supply of wool for those that would like to request some.
Or alternatively, you can send the hearts in the post. Seal and tape the hearts in a plastic bag, such as a freezer bag, and add a sticker with the date of posting on them before packing in an envelope. Make sure to include your name and email or postal address.
Please send us in your paired hearts to:
The End of Life/Bereavement Care Team
Room 104
Devon House
Heartlands Hospital
Bordesley Green East
Birmingham
B9 5SS
