Knitters help to make memories

Knitters in Bingham are needed to create blankets that will form part of special memory boxes for grieving parents who have suffered a miscarriage or lost their baby during pregnancy.

The project is run by the Stillbirth And Neonatal Death charity (Sands).

The knitted blankets will be included in a precious box, which is given to parents who have lost their child.

As well as a blanket, the boxes contain two cuddly toys, a single use camera, and a smaller box, with the inscription: Always Loved, Never Forgotten along the side, that can be used for a lock of hair or an identification tag.

A candle, a poem and information about Sands will also be included.

The charity’s group services manager, Mrs Sue Hale, said she was looking for as many knitters as possible to support the project.

She said: “When a baby dies there are few memories and almost none that can be shared with others.

“Precious memory boxes can help parents create some tangible memories.

“Parents can put their baby’s special things from the hospital in it and take them home.

“Nothing can take away the pain, but parents have told us that there is some comfort in being given one of these boxes.”

Mrs Hale, of West Bridgford, said 17 babies died during pregnancy each day and more than 6,000 died every year.

The project, which runs nationally, was formed through requests from parents who had lost a child.

The blankets must be handmade and can incorporate any appropriate design.

Mrs Hale said: “They can be used to wrap their baby in, or to lay over them. Parents sometimes choose for their baby to be buried or cremated with it, or may just choose to keep it.”

Mrs Jen Gierth, of Holme Road, Bingham, already volunteers to knit blankets for the cause.

She said: “It is a good cause and I think the blankets will be very much appreciated.”

Anyone interested in helping to knit a blanket or supporting the charity should contact Mrs Gierth on 01949 837519.

The boxes cost £15 but donations can be made to ensure boxes can be provided at hospitals across Nottinghamshire.

For donation information email Mrs Hale at sue.hale@uk-sands.org