Great Harwood WI donate to East Lancashire Hospitals

Starting early this year, Great Harwood and District Women’s Institute have created and donated 1,000 knitted and sewn hats, 42 baby blankets, 100 baby hats, eight baby cardigans and 142 drainage/syringe driver bags to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

These blankets, hats and cardigans are predominantly used for premature babies, who often struggle with their growth and development, and provide vital warmth.

The drainage bags help patients carry much-needed medical equipment around in a more fashionable manner.

Additionally, they have created hearts in matching pairs, one is given to the patient and one to the family.

The hearts donated by the Women's Institute (Image: Great Harwood Women's Institute)

Denise Gee, head of charity at ELHT&Me, said: “The kindness behind this gesture truly embodies the spirit of our East Lancashire community and we’re incredibly grateful for this heartfelt donation, the care and compassion behind each creation means a lot to the families they reach.” 

Formed in 1994 the Great Harwood Women’s Institute intend on providing good in the community and offering a trusted place for women of all generations to share experiences.

Sally Coates, president of Great Harwood & District Women’s Institute, said: “Our members have been very busy and very dedicated to this project and continue to inspire each other daily.

“It is a great feeling to know that members' efforts are being recognised and so well used and appreciated.

"We all feel that ELHT&ME is a very worthy charity to support, and we will continue to do so.”

The Women’s Institute has 151 centres across Lancashire and is the largest women’s organisation in the UK.

ELHT&ME is the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals with donations making a huge difference to patients, improving the hospital environment and buying state-of-the-art medical equipment.