Care home residents knit hearts for babies

Mollie Moppett (left) and Joyce Stanford (right) said they had been knitting since they were young girls

Residents in their 90s at a Shropshire care home have knitted hearts for the youngest patients at a local hospital trust.

The women, who live at Bluebell View Care Home in Oswestry, saw an appeal to make bonding hearts, which help mothers share scents with their premature babies to help them bond, and wanted to help.

Joyce Stanford, 99, and Mollie Moppett, 94, delivered a box of the crafts to the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust by hand.

"We've been knitting since we were little girls, and it's lovely to think that something so simple can bring comfort to a tiny baby and their family," said Ms Stanford, who spent 30 years as a theatre nurse.

"We just hope our hearts make someone feel cared for."

Mrs Moppett added: "It gives us purpose."

"At our age, it's easy to sit back and do nothing, but we don't want to do that.

"Knitting these hearts reminds us that we're still useful – and it's nice for us as well as the families who receive them."

The hearts come in pairs, one heart is worn by the mother and the other placed by the baby and then swapped to transfer the scent.

The hospital trust has 22 cots on its local neonatal unit, which provides higher level of care and support for babies, and looks after those born after 27 weeks of pregnancy.

Bev Sterry, wellbeing and activity coordinator at the care home said the project had brought "joy, purpose and a renewed sense of connection" to those taking part.

"I'm incredibly proud of the residents' dedication – they are some of the kindest people I've ever met," she added.

Julie Plant, divisional director of nursing in the women and children's services, thanked the residents, and said: "When a baby is born prematurely it can be unexpected and frightening, so anything we can do to provide comfort during this time is hugely appreciated."