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Chronicle Live
National
Sam Volpe

Care home knitting group deliver 300 hats to keep babies on the RVI's special care unit warm this winter

A team of octogenarian knitters at a Durham care home have been looking after the next generation - by knitting hats for the little ones being cared for at the RVI 's special care baby unit.

The knitters - at Hallgarth Care Home in the city - have delivered 300 hats, along with cardigans and blankets, to help keep the vulnerable newborns warm.

Helped by care home staff and friends, the Hallgarth Knitters Club meets regularly to allow residents to "knit and natter".

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The donation is the biggest they've managed yet, and Janet Fox, 81, and her knitting needles were remarkably responsible for half of the hats and all of the cardigans.

She said: "It’s a lovely thought that my little hats will be used to bring warmth and comfort to newborn babies. Every single one is knitted with love.".

Prolific knitter at Hallgarth Care Home Janet Fox, who made half of 300 hats delivered to the RVI's special care baby unit (Hallgarth Care Home)

The home’s Community Matron, Claire Butler, delivered the latest donation to the hospital and said: “We are so grateful to the Hallgarth knitters for all their wonderful creations, their support for the Special Care Baby Unit over the years has been absolutely amazing."

Gail Bowden - who co-ordinates "magic moments" for the home's residents - added: "I couldn’t believe it when I gathered all the hats together and counted them, this is our biggest donation to the baby unit so far and I’m so proud of our wonderful residents."

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