Patients across our hospital are to benefit from the latest donation from a mother and daughter team, who have created a range of crocheted and knitted items for both older and younger people who receive treatment at the James Paget.
Sian Gray and her mum Rebecca came into the Louise Hamilton Centre on Monday, 11 November, to drop off a quantity of knitted teddy bears in knitted bags – the latest of their creative works to support our patients – to Sue Francis, who manages the Centre, and Kim Crosswell from our Safeguarding team.
Sian was diagnosed with a rare tumour in December 2021 and had to give up a lot activities that she loved. To help her mental health she decided to learn to crochet and since then, despite a reoccurrence of the tumour, she has made items to bring joy to others, including handmade crocheted jellyfish, and supported Rebecca, who knitted the teddies, in creating items for patients.
The donated teddies will now be distributed to patients with dementia who have to stay with us over the Christmas period as well as to younger patients who visit our children’s clinics and wards.
Sian said; “During 2023, when the tumour reoccurred, the Louise Hamilton Centre came into my life and it’s been an absolute lifesaver and support while being between three hospitals. I was given a hand-made jellyfish when I was receiving treatment in hospital in Cambridge. I found I had time to crochet between waiting for calls and appointments, and I wanted to bring joy and comfort to others, so I started making the jellyfish.”
Sian’s mum Rebecca became a regular visitor to the Louise Hamilton Centre with her daughter and, as Sian takes part in support groups and art classes at the Centre, Rebecca used her knitting skills to create things for patients too – resulting in the latest teddy donation.
Louise Hamilton Centre Manager Sue says; “Rebecca and Sian have assisted with many items for patients who are receiving treatment, including hats, and we are really grateful for their donations. Here at the Centre we work collaboratively with teams across the hospital and outside agencies to provide support, and these items make a real difference to patients of all ages. It’s a token that shows someone is thinking of them and cares about what they are going through.”