I knit little garments and blankets for Cuddles – a charity organisation for babies that ‘are born asleep’.
Cuddles was started in 1999 as a local charity in Yorkshire. It expanded via the internet and after five years two ladies called Kathy and Vicky undertook the administration. In 2004 Cuddles received 3 to 5 parcels a week. After a few changes and a website update Cuddles now receives 10 to 15 parcels a week. The charity is in the process of recruiting new hospitals, which will provide Vicky and Kathy with additional outlets that would appreciate items from the build up of stock.
Cuddles has approximately 50 regular knitters and crocheters, and another 50 who are more casual contributors. Kathy and Vicky do an incredible and selfless job in acknowledging all the parcels, sending a newsletter every six months to keep all members – internet or postal – in touch with which hospitals are receiving their work, and with details of thank yous and other contributions of donated wool and stamps to cover the cost of postage.
It sounds a sad thing for Cuddles members to be involved in, and of course in many ways it is, but the affected families welcome a little piece of memorabilia knitted by someone unknown.
These are treasured items that can be kept forever, in remembrance of a brief and beloved life.
