Women's group make quilts for children in hospital

Project Linus North Devon have been making quilts throughout the year

Members of a community group in North Devon have been making quilts throughout the year for children being treated in North Devon District Hospital.

Project Linus North Devon, which is made up of 10 women, has made 525 quilts this year.

Nurses on paediatric wards chose quilts, which are delivered monthly, for children based on their hobbies or interests.

Every child who goes in for day surgery gets their own quilt and any children staying in over Christmas will get one for them and one for each sibling.

George has a rare heart condition which meant he spent Christmas last year in hospital

Project Linus is a charity which started in America.

Jane Kite, the coordinator for Project Linus North Devon, said: “I am just astounded at how my ladies keep producing the quilts.”

She added: “I am a quilter myself but don’t need any more for my own home.

"I want to keep making so being able to give them to Project Linus is great.”

'Treasured gift'

George, aged eight, has a rare heart condition and spent Christmas last year in North Devon Hospital after falling ill while visiting family in Ilfracombe.

His mum, Alexa, said that by “being so generous to share not only their time but sewing skills, they sprinkled Christmas spirit and happiness over George and us a family”.

She added: “He has slept with the quilt every day since he received it.

"It's a very treasured gift."