Salford Royal Hospital is appealing for donations of knitted or crocheted teddy bears, angels and hearts to help create a lasting sentimental token.
Salford Royal Hospital hands these knits to families who have loved ones that are receiving end-of-life care.
The handmade sentiments may only be palm-sized but help create a heartwarming, touching memory which can be kept with some also bearing their lost one’s scent.
However, the hospital is not currently receiving as many as usual so is appealing for more donations to help ensure everyone who should receive one will get one.
Salford resident, Christine Stockton, has been hand-making teddy bears for six years as well as hats for babies who may have otherwise gone without. 
On the morning that she dropped 10 off at Salford Royal Hospital, she said: “I popped a little note with my number saying if you need any more let me know.
“It’s really important I think – so they have something to remember them by.”
It has almost come full circle for former teaching assistant, Angela Deasey, with her baby son dying 40 years ago at Salford Royal Hospital. Angela’s passion for donating stemmed from this moment. She said: “I would be really grateful to know that someone is thinking about you.”
Angela shares her work on ‘Angie’s Crocheted Angels’.
Barbara Taylor, Greater Manchester resident, is another of the many volunteers who takes time out of her day to crochet.
Barbara was diagnosed with serious depression and anxiety in 2012 and found crocheting and knitting provided her with a sense of happiness after she was advised by her doctor to seek something that could help.
The volunteer has had a tough decade or so, having had a major operation after a car accident in 2016, then being diagnosed with the early stages of breast and lung cancer two years later. Thankfully, Barbara is now in the clear, she said: “Now I just want to think positive, keeping myself busy by knitting and crocheting to help people.
Christine said: “Definitely give it a try. Pick up a crochet hook, pick up a pair of needles, knit a teddy.”
Donations can be labeled ‘Pam Woods Suite’ and dropped off at the main reception in the Hope building. If delivered by post these must be addressed to: Pam Woods Suite, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD
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