The Palliative Care Team and Butterfly Volunteers at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), who support patients approaching the end of their life, are appealing to volunteers to help by knitting or crocheting blankets for patients.
These blankets are given to patients to help provide comfort during their final days.
The team’s supply of blankets is now running low, and donations are urgently needed.
Blankets should be large enough to cover a patient lying in bed and should be approximately 48 inches x 48 inches (122cm x 122cm).
Anyone wishing to donate one or more blankets is asked to contact the Palliative Care Team on 01279 827846 to arrange a suitable date and time for drop-off. The team can also be contacted for any questions or help.
If volunteers are unsure of a colour theme, the teams regularly receive requests for football team colours, with combinations including blue and white, red and white, black and white, maroon/pale blue, yellow/black, pale blue and white, and red, white and black. However, any thoughtfully made blanket will be warmly received and appreciated.
Caroline Hocket, Head of Nursing for Specialist Palliative Care at PAHT, said: “A handmade blanket may seem like a small gesture, but to our patients and their families it means comfort, dignity and compassion when it matters most. We are always deeply moved by the kindness of our local community, and every single blanket donated makes a real difference in helping our patients feel cared for and supported.
“Thank you to volunteers in advance for their kindness, generosity and support.”