The SWAN appeal is calling out to all those who wish to craft, knit and crotchet items such as blankets, hearts and teddies for patients who are approaching the end of their lives and their families.
“Dad is really made up with his lovely blanket, it makes him feel as if he is at home rather than in a hospital bed….he looks snug and cosy. We car thankful that we could all have a heart to match dad’s to help us feel connected to him once he dies. Please thank the people who have provided these wonderful small things that mean so much.”
An extract from a thank you from one of the families.
The appeal is looking for people with wool craft skills to knit/crochet pairs of love hearts & pairs of bears. A set of hearts/bears is given to the patient. After they pass, one heart/bear stays with them & the other is given to their family. The hearts can be any colour (button not essential) and joined together by a piece of wool which can be cut for separation.
There is also a need for hand crafted blankets – to fit on top of a single bed or ½ that size. This helps makes the patients’ environment feel a little more homely, and again, the family are given this to take home. The blankets can be of any colour and design.
All donations will be gratefully received by the Chaplaincy departments at Aintree, Broadgreen & the Royal Hospitals.
As a very busy hospital trust, there is a continuous need for these items and the hospital teams hope that those who are involved in craft clubs can offer their support. The trust can provide wool for anyone who wishes to help. For further information please contact somebody on one of the following email addresses:
